Ling Puran – Famous Stories
The Ling Puran, also known as the Linga Purana, is one of the most revered Shaiva scriptures in Hinduism. It narrates numerous divine stories, each carrying deep spiritual meaning and moral guidance. These tales center on the glory of Lord Shiva, the symbolism of the Shiva Lingam, and the path of devotion (Bhakti).
One of the most celebrated stories from the Ling Puran is the legend of the Infinite Pillar of Light, which reveals Lord Shiva’s supreme and boundless nature.
The Infinite Pillar of Light – Main Story
Once, a debate arose between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma over who was the greatest among them. As the discussion turned into prideful dispute, Lord Shiva manifested before them in the form of an endless pillar of light – the Lingam.
Shiva instructed them to find the pillar’s beginning or end. Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar (Varaha) and went downward, while Lord Brahma transformed into a swan (Hamsa) and flew upward.
After searching for a long time, neither could find the end of the pillar. Lord Vishnu humbly accepted defeat and acknowledged Shiva’s supremacy. However, Brahma falsely claimed he had reached the top, producing a Ketaki flower as false evidence. Lord Shiva, knowing the truth, cursed Brahma that he would have no temples dedicated to him, while the Ketaki flower would never be used in Shiva’s worship.
This story highlights the infinite nature of Lord Shiva and teaches the value of humility, honesty, and surrender to the Supreme.
Other Notable Stories in Ling Puran
Manifestation of Jyotirlingas: The Purana explains how twelve sacred Jyotirlingas appeared across India, each representing Shiva’s divine presence.
Stories of Devotees: Tales of great devotees like King Chitrabhanu, whose unwavering devotion to the Lingam brought liberation.
Creation and Dissolution: Myths describing how Lord Shiva creates, sustains, and dissolves the universe through his divine energy.
Spiritual Lessons from Ling Puran Stories
The stories from the Ling Puran are more than mythology; they are guides for righteous living:
Humility is the path to wisdom.
Truth prevails over pride and deceit.
Devotion to the Supreme grants liberation.
The Lingam represents the eternal source of all creation.
Story of King Ambareesh – From Ling Puran
King Ambareesh was a righteous ruler, deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu and a follower of Dharma. Though this story is often mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, the Ling Puran also refers to him in the context of his steadfast devotion and the glory of the Ekadashi vrata.
The King’s Devotion
Ambareesh was not only a great warrior and administrator but also a true devotee of the Supreme. He performed Ekadashi fasting with sincerity, dedicating the fruits of his actions to God. His heart was pure, and he ruled his kingdom with compassion, justice, and truth.
The Ekadashi Incident
Once, during the observance of Ekadashi, the king was completing his fast with the Dwadashi parana (breaking of the fast). At that time, the great sage Durvasa arrived at his palace. Being a host of high respect, Ambareesh invited Durvasa to join him in breaking the fast.
Durvasa accepted but decided to take a bath in the river before eating. However, he delayed so long that the auspicious Dwadashi time was about to end. Breaking the fast after the prescribed time would nullify the vrata.
To honor the vow without disrespecting his guest, Ambareesh took a sip of charanamrit (holy water from Lord Vishnu’s feet), which is considered equivalent to food in ritual terms.
Durvasa’s Anger
When Durvasa returned and learned that Ambareesh had broken his fast before the sage ate, he became furious. In his rage, Durvasa plucked a strand of hair and created a fiery demon to attack the king.
Ambareesh, however, remained calm and unmoved, fully surrendered to the will of God. Immediately, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra appeared and destroyed the demon, then started chasing Durvasa himself.
Durvasa Seeks Forgiveness
The Sudarshan Chakra followed Durvasa across the worlds. He went to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva for help, but they told him they could not protect him from Lord Vishnu’s weapon. Finally, Durvasa approached Lord Vishnu, who told him the only way to be saved was to seek forgiveness from King Ambareesh.
Durvasa humbled himself before Ambareesh, who immediately prayed to Lord Vishnu to forgive the sage. The Chakra was withdrawn, and peace was restored.
One of the most celebrated stories from the Ling Puran is the legend of the Infinite Pillar of Light, which reveals Lord Shiva’s supreme and boundless nature.
The Infinite Pillar of Light – Main Story
Once, a debate arose between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma over who was the greatest among them. As the discussion turned into prideful dispute, Lord Shiva manifested before them in the form of an endless pillar of light – the Lingam.
Shiva instructed them to find the pillar’s beginning or end. Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar (Varaha) and went downward, while Lord Brahma transformed into a swan (Hamsa) and flew upward.
After searching for a long time, neither could find the end of the pillar. Lord Vishnu humbly accepted defeat and acknowledged Shiva’s supremacy. However, Brahma falsely claimed he had reached the top, producing a Ketaki flower as false evidence. Lord Shiva, knowing the truth, cursed Brahma that he would have no temples dedicated to him, while the Ketaki flower would never be used in Shiva’s worship.
This story highlights the infinite nature of Lord Shiva and teaches the value of humility, honesty, and surrender to the Supreme.
Other Notable Stories in Ling Puran
Manifestation of Jyotirlingas: The Purana explains how twelve sacred Jyotirlingas appeared across India, each representing Shiva’s divine presence.
Stories of Devotees: Tales of great devotees like King Chitrabhanu, whose unwavering devotion to the Lingam brought liberation.
Creation and Dissolution: Myths describing how Lord Shiva creates, sustains, and dissolves the universe through his divine energy.
Spiritual Lessons from Ling Puran Stories
The stories from the Ling Puran are more than mythology; they are guides for righteous living:
Humility is the path to wisdom.
Truth prevails over pride and deceit.
Devotion to the Supreme grants liberation.
The Lingam represents the eternal source of all creation.
Story of King Ambareesh – From Ling Puran
King Ambareesh was a righteous ruler, deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu and a follower of Dharma. Though this story is often mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, the Ling Puran also refers to him in the context of his steadfast devotion and the glory of the Ekadashi vrata.
The King’s Devotion
Ambareesh was not only a great warrior and administrator but also a true devotee of the Supreme. He performed Ekadashi fasting with sincerity, dedicating the fruits of his actions to God. His heart was pure, and he ruled his kingdom with compassion, justice, and truth.
The Ekadashi Incident
Once, during the observance of Ekadashi, the king was completing his fast with the Dwadashi parana (breaking of the fast). At that time, the great sage Durvasa arrived at his palace. Being a host of high respect, Ambareesh invited Durvasa to join him in breaking the fast.
Durvasa accepted but decided to take a bath in the river before eating. However, he delayed so long that the auspicious Dwadashi time was about to end. Breaking the fast after the prescribed time would nullify the vrata.
To honor the vow without disrespecting his guest, Ambareesh took a sip of charanamrit (holy water from Lord Vishnu’s feet), which is considered equivalent to food in ritual terms.
Durvasa’s Anger
When Durvasa returned and learned that Ambareesh had broken his fast before the sage ate, he became furious. In his rage, Durvasa plucked a strand of hair and created a fiery demon to attack the king.
Ambareesh, however, remained calm and unmoved, fully surrendered to the will of God. Immediately, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra appeared and destroyed the demon, then started chasing Durvasa himself.
Durvasa Seeks Forgiveness
The Sudarshan Chakra followed Durvasa across the worlds. He went to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva for help, but they told him they could not protect him from Lord Vishnu’s weapon. Finally, Durvasa approached Lord Vishnu, who told him the only way to be saved was to seek forgiveness from King Ambareesh.
Durvasa humbled himself before Ambareesh, who immediately prayed to Lord Vishnu to forgive the sage. The Chakra was withdrawn, and peace was restored.
