Understanding Mukhalinga of Lord Shiva

The linga is a divine image of Shiva. A linga with one or more human faces is known as Mukhalinga. 

As per Linga Purana, Panchanana Shiva represents the five faces of Lord Shiva. It also narrates the significance of Shiva. Each of these faces is assigned a specific aspect.

The names of the five faces of Lord Shiva are: Isana, Tatpurusha, Aghora, Vamadeva, and   Sadjyota.

The significance of Five Faces, according to Linga Purana are:-

The upper face is Ishana or Sadashiva, who oversees the sky and is rarely represented. Sadyojata or Mahadeva, the Earth’s protector, is shown on the East face. The West face is Tatpurusha or Nandi, which means “wind” in Sanskrit. Aghora or Bhairava (fire, Agni) faces South, whereas Vamadeva, Uma, or Tamreshvara faces North. In certain writings, the East face is called Tatpurusha, whereas the Western face is called Sadyojata. The five-aspect icon represents the entire universe.

To make it easier for individual Souls to adore him, the almighty, infinite, and eternal God Shiva has shown himself in various forms. “Nishkala” is the name given to the formless shape of Shivalinga. Mukhalingas, on the other hand, are Shivalingas with Shiva’s head on their faces and are classed as “Sakala Nishkala” form.

Five holds a deep significance in Hinduism, especially about Lord Shiva. One of the most venerated mantras of Lord Shiva, Namah-Shivaya, also consists of five syllables. 

It must be noted that Lord Shiva is said to be the supreme lord for the following five functions:

1.     Creation – Srishti: He creates all the worlds and beings.

2     Preservation – Sthithi: He is responsible for the continuation of all the worlds and beings. He is the sustaining power of breath (praneswara) and the digestive power of fire (jatharagni).

3      Concealment – Tirobhava: He is the one who casts the net of delusion or maya, upon the whole creation. He does it so that the order and regularity of the worlds are not disrupted.

  4. Revelation – Anugraha: He is the master of liberation. No one can achieve liberation without his grace and blessings. 

   5. Destruction – Laya or Samhara: He is the one responsible for death and destruction. However, with this aspect, he is also responsible for the renewal of life and rebirth.

Lord Shiva, revered among Hindus, is believed to exhibit five essential forms of existence, continuation, transformation, purification, and liberation. Consequently, we must recognize Shiva’s five faces and worship him accordingly.

Extension of Mukhalingas:-

Mukhalingas are found throughout India and Nepal. They are also found in the former Champa kingdom, which is now in Vietnam, as well as Cambodia and Borneo in Southeast Asia, and Afghanistan in western India. Similar images of phalluses with carved faces from Greece and Celtic Europe resemble Mukhalingas of Shiva. A five-faced Mukhalinga from Bhita, dated to the second century BCE, is one of the earliest examples of the Mukhalinga.

Om Namah Shivaya 🙏🏻