PAMHO
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Dear friends, I have a question for you:
Someone recently gave me a Shivalingam stone and I heard that Shiva is the greatest devotee of Lord Vishnu, as he meditates continuously chanting the glories of the Lord.
Can I put the shivalingam in a corner of my altar? I know that when one loves the Lord should also love and respect to the devotees, so get rid of it or have it in a drawer is not a good idea to me.
I know that Rudra is not equal to God, only the Lord is God, but I wonder what offering cain I gave to Him? (as gifts of appreciation and respect, asking for His support for spiritual advancement dedicated to Krishna)
Otherwise, what can I do with the murti of Shiva?
Can Imake offerings of incense ash that has been offered to Krishna?
I can bathe him? What do I do with the water?
I heard nothing of what has been offered up to lingam is consumed.
Replies
My only question now: what to offer to lingam and how to dispouse of it? The lingam should be bathed? What to do with ghe water? Can i offer ash to lingam (from the incense offered to Krishna? Please, tell me more about it. Thank you
Yes. In India, in the shiva temples, people bath the shiva linga with water, milk and offer bael patra(a kind of leaves) . The water remains after offering to Lord Shiva can be used to water plants - helping other living entities.
Lord Shiva is a big devotee of Krishna and he is always meditating on the Lord so you can perhaps do few extra rounds of Hare Krishna mahamantra in front of shiva linga to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is very pleased by chanting of holy name.
In India, it is common to offer water and bel patra(a kind of leaves ) to Lord Shiva.
spect i assume means respect. Well I DO respect your judgements. Its your call. Titles are always nice, are they not? :)
does it make you more devoted? does it bring you happiness and devotion? if so then your worrying about others judgements. If it is your personal alter, put it on there if it brings you hope and devotion.