Lingodbhava, a significant concept in Shaivism. Lingodbhava refers to the divine manifestation of Lord Shiva as an infinite pillar of light (Jyotirlinga) that had no beginning or end. This form symbolizes Shiva's supreme and formless nature beyond comprehension.
One day, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma started arguing about who was the greatest.
Vishnu said, "I take care of the whole universe! That makes me the most important."Brahma replied, "Well, I CREATED the universe! So, obviously, I’m the greatest."
As they kept arguing, Lord Shiva decided to teach them a lesson. He appeared as a huge pillar of fire that stretched endlessly in both directions.
"If you want to prove your greatness, find where this pillar begins or ends!" Shiva challenged them.
Brahma turned into a swan and flew up, searching for the top. Vishnu turned into a boar and dug deep, looking for the bottom. They searched and searched... and searched... but the pillar had no end!
Eventually, Vishnu gave up and admitted, "Shiva, you are truly infinite!"But Brahma, wanting to win, lied and said he found the top. Shiva caught him and, as a result, decided that Brahma would no longer have temples dedicated to him!
And so, Vishnu and Brahma both learned that Shiva is beyond limits—endless and infinite!
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