Why Shiva is worshiped as a lingam?

Sham S. Misri

Of many stories about why lingam is worshiped, One such story is as follows:

Hundreds of years ago, a great sacrificial ceremony was going to take place. Many great sages and famous people were invited on this occasion.  Among them, the great sage Narad Muni was also invited. When the ceremony started, Narad Muni asked who would receive the effects of the sacrifice. No one could answer, so the sages who were present asked him who should receive it. Narad said that Sri Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva were all eligible, but they would have to find out which one had the most patience and purity to be the receiver of the sacrifice. So he chose the great sage Brighu to learn the answer.

      Brighu had many mystic powers and was able to travel to the domain of the demigods. First he went to see Lord Brahma. That time Brahma was preoccupied and did not notice Brighu  presence. Feeling insulted, Brighu cursed Brahma, and “You are so proud of your power of creation; you did not notice my arrival. For this you shall have no temples on earth.” Thus, there are very few temples of Brahma on earth.

Next, Brighu went to see Shiva in Kailash.  Shiva also did not notice Brighu coming. At this Brighu again felt offended and cursed Shiva to be worshiped only as a lingam (The Phallus) on earth. This is the reason why Lord Shiva is primarily represented and worshiped as a lingam on this planet.

       Then Brighu went to see Lord Vishnu, who also did not recognize Brighus presence. Brighu was so angered that he went forward and kicked Lord Vishnu’s chest. Lord Vishnu apologized if He had hurt Brighus foot and began praising Brighu. At this, Brighu immediately felt pleased and could understand that Vishnu was actually the most qualified to receive the offerings from the sacrifice. However, Lakshmi Devi, the goddess of fortune and Lord Vishnu’s wife, was very displeased by Brighus action. She, therefore, did not bestow much mercy on the Brahmans who, as a result, are often without much money.