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Narmadaa Shiv Ling
From  Sacred Objects Group, May28, 2010,  by Nitin Burade

Narmadeshwar Shiv Ling are only found in one place on the entire planet - in Central India (MP) on the banks of the Narmadaa River. Many Vaidik Scriptures propound that the natural Narmadaa Baan Ling are self-manifest representations of Lord Shiv. As Shaalgraam are to Lord Vishnu, Narmadaa Baan Ling are to Lord Shiv.

Composition Of Narmadaa Shiv Ling
The Shiv Ling that are formed in the River Narmadaa contain Crypto Crystalline Quartz (masses made up of either fibrous or granular aggregates of tiny, microscopic Quartz Crystals) and a Gemstone material called Chalcedony (with an iron oxide and goethite inclusion) along with Basalt and Agate - this unique composition coupled with elliptical shape has a precise resonance in alignment with our Energy Centers or Chakra and are used for thousands of years as Divine Energy Generators for Cleansing, Healing and for Meditation. The Narmadaa Ban Ling are quite strong and their hardness is 7 on the Moe’s Scale and are said to have the highest frequency or vibration than any other stone on the planet.

It is the considered view of many researchers and geologists that the unique composition of the Narmadaa Shiv Ling was due to the impregnation of its rocky river-sides and the rocks in the river bed, 14 million years ago by a large meteorite that crashed into the Narmadaa River. The fusion of the Meteorite and the Earthly Minerals have spawned a new and unique type of Crystalline Rock with extraordinary energetic qualities - the Narmadaa Baan Ling. The Narmadeshwar Shiv Ling, because of their divine vibrations, are popularly called as "Cosmic Eggs” by New Age Metaphysical Practitioners.

Once collected, these incredible masses finally shape and polish the stones to bring out the natural markings which are inherent in their composition, much like a diamond cutter who cuts the rough material to bring out the best in the diamond. The stones are polished with mud, dung and natural oils to get even finish.

The Lingam also represents the harmony or balance of the soul that is maintained within the hearts of all of us, the Light that shines from within. The quartz composition (along with basalt and agate) and the shape make them powerful energy generators appropriate for healing and unique as tools for meditation and cleansing. A sage stated, "If a mini Ling is worn, it will affect mind and heart in positive ways."

The Narmadaa Baan Ling’s upright egg shape represents the Pure Consciousness of Lord Shiv and the Holy Markings on the Sacred Stone (which differ greatly from stone to stone) represent the interactive aspect of Goddess Shakti.

Worshipping one Baan Ling gets the benefits that can be obtained by worshipping a crore of other Ling. These are collected by few families who had rights all over generation. The Ling is considered to be the "form of the formless". These Baan Ling are considered to be "alive" even without Praan Pratishthaa (process of installation).

Several devotees of Shiv and Saadhu in India say that a life given Narmadeshwar is the single idol of worship which doesn't make any negative effects when not offered any form of offering. The stone represents the blending of male and female energy, with the shape of the stone representing the male (knowledge), and the markings representing the female (wisdom). Narmadeshawar Ling stones are sacred in both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.

Possessing this Shiv Ling is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring peace, progeny, luck, wealth, fame and prosperity. Importance of Narmadeshwar Ling is mentioned in the Shiv Puraan. It is said that Lord Shiv blesses the place where Narmadeshwar Ling is kept and worshipped.

Vaidik Legends About the Origin of Narmadaa Baan Ling
There are many legends about the origin of the Baan Ling and their association with the Narmadaa, in the Pauraanik Texts like Aparaajitaa-Pariprachchha, Yaagyavalkya Sanhitaa, Matsya Puraan (Chapter 5), Harivansh (Vishnu Parv - Chapter 173) and Bhaagvat Puraan (10th Skandh - Chapter 62), with slightly varying accounts. Two of the most popular ones are narrated below.

1-Legend of Baanaasur
The Asur Raaj (Demon King) Baan ( Baanaasur) was the eldest of the one hundred sons of Raajaa Bali - Bali was the son of King Virochan, the grandson of Prahlaad (the famous devotee of Vishnu) and the son of Hiranyakashyap. Baanaasur himself was a great devotee of Lord Shiv and to seek the Divine Blessings of Lord Shiv, he performed severe penances for a long time, in the Holy Himaalaya, invoking fo Shiv’s favor. Finally Shiv appeared in answer to his austerities and agreed to grant him a boon. Baanaasur wished for himself 1,000 arms carrying a multitude of weapons to destroy his enemies and desired that Goddess Paarvatee consider him as her own son - he was bestowed with what he asked for. Drunk with power and arrogance, the Demon King started torturing all the three worlds. Honoring the requests of the Devtaa and Indra, Krishn severed all the one thousand arms and the weapons they were holding, with His Sudarshan Chakra.

However, Shiv honored the Demon King (who was, in spite of being an Asur, was an ardent devotee of Shiv) by giving him his own representation in the form of Swaayambhoo (natural, self-manifest) Shiv Ling, hence the name Baan Ling. All the pebbles rolling on its bed are said to take the shape of His emblem with the saying "Narmadaa Ke Kankar uthe Shanka" (which is a popular saying in the Hindi belt of India) which means that "pebble stones of Narmadaa gets a personified form of Shiv". Thus, these Ling (egg) shaped stones, called Baan Ling are sought after for daily worship by the Hindu.

It is to be noted here that Raavan also asked for Shiv's Aatm Ling, but Shiv did not want to give it to him, still he had to give it to him, so Ganesh Jee took it from him by cheating.

2-Legend of Tripuraasur
Once Lord Shiv wanted to destroy the Flying City of “Tri-pur”, which was obtained as a boon by the Demon Chief Tripuraasuar. So, Lord Shiv released a powerful and fiery arrow from his Divine Bow called Pinaak. The dart split and broke the Three Pur into tiny bits, which fell on Earth in 3 spots: (1) on the hills of Shree-Kshetra, which is of unknown identity to this day; (2) on the peaks of Amar Kantak, in the Vindhya ranges and (3) on the banks of the Sacred Narmadaa River. The bits that fell soon multiplied into crores, each bit becoming a Shiv Ling. As they formed part of the possession of the Banaasur, they were called as Baan Ling. Amar Kantak peak in Madhya Pradesh State of India, is in close proximity to the Source of the River Narmadaa, which according to the Holy Texts, originates in the Vindhya Mountains 914 meters above the sea level, flows westward for 1,292 kilometers through Mandla and Jabalpur Districts and joins the Arabian Sea in Bay of Cambay (Khambhaat) near Bharonch in Gujaraat State.

It should be noted here that the word “Baan” also means an arrow, a reed-shaft, cow’s udder and pike, quite independent of the legend concerning the Asur King Baan. The import of these legends is that the Narmadaa Baan Ling are self-manifest forms (Swaayambhoo) of Lord Shiv and Goddess Shakti and that they are therefore holier than any other anionic forms of Lord Shiv.

What are the Different Types of Narmada Baan Ling?
There are many different types of Narmadaa Baan Ling and depending upon the sacred markings and holy patterns over the body of the Ling, they are classified and their significance defined. However, please note that there is no necessity to make a micrographic study of the various types of Baan Ling, to choose one for you - it is sufficient to take certain normal precautions listed at the end of this article. The Siddhaant Shekhar states that the Baan Ling picked up from Narmadaa have been worshipped already by the Gods, especially by the Guardian Deities (Lok Paal) and the Sacred Stones are still said to contain the impress of such worship. There are Baan Ling carrying the different marks characteristic of these Gods:

(1) Conch Shell mark on top (Shankh Mastak) indicates it has been worshipped by Lord Vishnu, the Protector of the Cosmos.
(2) Lotus Mark (Padm) denotes it was worshipped by Lord Brahmaa, the Creator of the Cosmos.
(3) Parasol mark (Chhatra) reveals it was worshipped by Lord Indra, the Ruler of the Dev World.
(4) Heads mark (Shiro Yugm) shows it was worshipped by Lord Agni, the Fire God
(5) Three Steps (three Pad) denote it was worshipped by Lord Yam Khand.
(6) Mace mark (Gadaa) indicates it was worshipped by Lord Eeshaan.
(7) Water Vase mark (Kalash) shows it was worshipped by Lord Varun, the Water God.
(8) Banner mark (Dhwaj) denotes it was worshipped by Lord Vaayu, the God of Wind.

“Veer Mitrodaya”, the celebrated gloss on “Mitaakshar” (which itself is a commentary by Vigyaaneswar on "Yaagyavalkya’s “Dharm Shaastra”), quotes “Kolottar” on the subject of distinguishing the characteristic marks on the various Baan Ling. This text enumerates 9 varieties of Baan Ling, 8 of them corresponding to the 8 Guardian Deities (Lok-Paal) and the 9th one called Vaishnav Baan Lingam:

(1) The Baan Ling worshipped by Devendra will fulfill all the desires and bestow sovereignty.
(2) The Aagneya Baan Ling will be rosy colored and warm to touch and carries the mark of the weapon Shakti.
(3) The Yam Baan Ling will have the form of a cudgel or of a tongue.
(4) The Nairriti Baan Ling will look like a sword, carries stain on its body and will bestow the benefits of Gyaan (Wisdom) and Yog; however, it is not for the householder’s worship.
(5) The Varun Baan Ling is round in shape and may be distinguished by the marks of a noose (Paash) and will bring prosperity.
(6) The Vaayu Baan Ling will be of black color or smoky complexioned or ash grey and will have the appearance of a flag post or may carry on its head the mark of a banner.
(7) The Kuber Baan Ling will be in the form of a quiver or noose or mace and there might be a hair like line in its centre.
(8) The Raudra Baan Ling will be lustrous like a block of ice and bears the marks of a bone or spear.
(9) The Vaishnav Baan Ling will have the marks of Conch Shell or Discus or Lotus or Mace or Jewels on the Chest (Shree Vats and Kaustubh Mani) or the foot prints of Vishnu and will have variegated colors.

Hemaadri enumerates nine types of Baan Ling : ---

(1) Swaayambhoo - honey colored with two dark rings
(2) Mrityunjaya - variegated colors with marks resembling spear and coils of matted hair
(3) Neelkanth - elongated and white colored with a black spot
(4) Tri-Lochan - white colored with eye-like marks
(5) Kaalaagni Rudra - lustrous and dark, stout with matted-hair like marks
(6) Tri-puraaree - honey colored with white marks resembling the sacrificial chord across and with lotus at the base
(7) Eeshaan - clear crystal with the top tawny brown and marks of a trident
(8) Ardh-Naareeshwar - white colored on one side and red colored on the other side
(9) Mahaa Kaal - slightly red in hue, shining, stout and longish in shape.

What are the Colors of Baan Ling?
Each Baan Ling is unique with its own markings. The color of the stone varies a lot, from grey to beige, to brown and a reddish brown. They may be honey colored, white, blue, black or emerald-hued.

Are Baan Ling Worthy of Worship?
Among many categories of Shiv Ling, the Baan Ling come under the Swaayambhoo category, meaning they are self-manifest and have formed naturally, which makes them the holiest among the holies and the most suitable for worship. They do not need to be made worship-worthy by the preliminary rites of Purification (Cleansing) and Consecration (Praan Pratishtaa), as the Narmadaa Baan Ling naturally contain the Vibhooti of Godhead present in them. They do not require the traditional rituals of transmutation - they are natural, self-evident and enduring. They cannot be defiled on any account and do not lose their merit under any circumstances. The “Maark Bhed Tantra” (Patala 7) makes a summary statement to this effect.

However, if the ideal concept of "Programming" can be accomplished by a competent professional, then the Narmadaa Baan Ling will bestow better and faster results. Among the several varieties of Ling, Baan Ling are said to be the most Sacred and its worship the most effective. It is therefore claimed that the Baan Ling when worshipped is a thousand times more effective than any other Ling. While “Suprabhed” (33) roundly declares that all Baan Ling are worship-worthy, the “Soot Sanhitaa” and “Meru Tantra” (Chapter 9) state that the ideal size of Baan Ling for worship must be minimum four Angul or 4 inches or above. Those of smaller size may be used for carrying in person or worn around the neck as Power Pendants - as mobile Ling, for Blessings and Protection.

Do Baan Ling Require Strict Worship and Elaborate Rituals?
The Narmadaa Baan Ling are similar to the Shaalgraam Stones (of the Gandakee River, Nepaal) in this regard: both are Swaayambhoo. Being Self-Manifest, both are Divine Energy Tools and do not suffer from many disadvantages and limitations of human-made forms and statues. They do not need to be ceremoniously installed or duly consecrated. They do not even require going through the normal ritual of Invocation of Divine Presence (Aavaahan), for the Divine Presence is already there and will continue to be there, quite independently of the rituals. This is clearly and boldly stated by the “Maark Bhed Tantra” (Paataal 7). In fact, the “Yog Saar” (Chapter 5) claims that by merely thinking about his/her Baan Ling early in the morning, a person can gain success in all the tasks of the day.

Like the Sacred Shaaligraam, there are no distinct prescriptions or procedures for the worship of Baan Ling in Pauranik Texts. There is only one Taantrik Text “Yog Saar” of Kaulaa influence that gives a separate Dhyaan and Mantra for the worship of Baan Ling, which is completely different from the standard worship ritual offered to Shiv. This procedure is heavily Taantrik in orientation and involves a lot of visualizing capabilities and might not be suitable to the householder.

Rigorous worship of any Sacred Object like the Narmadaa Baan Ling is always meritorious, but it is neither indispensable nor obligatory. The mere presence of a Narmadeshwar Shiv Ling is said to grace its environment with harmony, mental peace, prosperity and protection. Regular worship of the Ling with the Sacred Mantra, Vaidik Sookt and Stotra cause many intense and invisible effects. It is said that the sacred and powerful sounds from such Mantra cause a powerful internal reverberation which is absorbed by the Baan Ling. With consistent worship, this energy is slowly released and emitted to the surrounding environments, and is specially known to have the capacity to negate the accumulated Kaarmik burdens of its worshipper - in other words, the Baan Ling dissolves the negative Kaarmik baggage (Praarabdh Karm) carried by the individual.

What are the Benefits of having Baan Ling?
Numerous Scriptures acknowledge the superior merits of the Baan Ling and extol the unsurpassed virtues of them, in bestowing many great benefits. The Yagyavalkya Sanhitaa states that the benefits that can be obtained by worshipping a crore of other Shiv Ling are got by worshipping just one Baan Ling. It is said that merely thinking about their Baan Ling early in the morning itself is likely to bestow success in all their enterprises of the day. It is also said that the Baan Ling secure worldly welfare as well as emancipation from worldly involvement. It is the view of many that the Narmadaa Baan Ling wash off sins and curses.

The Narmadeshwar Shiv Ling works with the breath and the fluids of the body creating a harmony in the body’s flow. The Baan Ling helps one to unite the lower self (conscious) with the higher self (unconscious) so that we may know our own divinity as we seek to know God. It brings believers into the mystical union with God. It heals and helps opening the Chakra to resolve issues. It helps with activating the Kundalinee energy and the seven Chakras. It awakens the energy centers and brings feelings of peace and wellbeing. It enhances personal or group meditations for clearer flow of energies. It balances and brings harmony to its surrounding environment, after cleansing the prevailing negative energies.

On one hand these Baan Ling is the epitome of masculine power and attraction and ooze love and affection, on the other hand an adept can use it to suppress sexual energies and direct them to gain mental and spiritual development.

The Baan Ling are highly communicative gemstones, each with its own individual personality, purpose and reason for being. It is believed that there is a Baan Ling destined for each one of us and that the Baan Ling will find it’s way to us when the time is right and when we are ready to receive it into our lives. The Narmadaa Shiv Ling stones can be used to remove negativity and harness and transmit harmonious vibrations throughout a home and office. A Mini Narmadaa Baan Ling can be carried or worn around the neck as a pendant by a person to protect the person and also gain divine blessings.

Important
(1) No two Sacred Narmada Stones are alike and there are always variations in the Yoni patterns across the body.
(2) Certain Texts like Kedaar Khand defines some Dusht Baan Ling - inauspicious Baan Ling, those with very rough surface, those which are fully flattened and those which are split at the top. Hemaadri in Lakshan Khand insists that those Baan Ling that are exceedingly corpulent or very thin, those with sharp edges and crooked tops are meant only for those who wish emancipation only and are not suitable for householders.

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