Rasalingam

In Hinduism, Rasalingam or Parad Lingam is a Lingam, the symbol of the god Shiva, made of mercury. (Or Gallium; see Composition below.) Tamil Siddhas carved Shiva Lingam from solidified mercury. The process of solidification of mercury is the secret process enunciated by Tamil Siddhas. In Tamil, mercury is called Pada-rasam and the Shiva Lingam made using pada-rasam is called Rasalingam. In Sanskrit, mercury is called Parad and the Shiva Lingam made using parad is called Parad Lingam. Rasalingams or Parad Lingams are consecrated in Hindu Shiva temples, Ashrams and other places of worships.

Shiva puja must be performed with linga. Linga worship constitute the very essence of Shiva theology. The Shiva symbol linga is considered as formless. The Rasalingam has a place in the worship of Shiva. Although mercury comes under classification of a metal, it is in semi liquid form. Tamil Siddhas identified mercury as Shiva’s metal (Shivadhatu). According to Siddha alchemy, mercury is the representation of male (Shiva) form and the chemical element sulfur associated in the solidification process considered as the representation of female (Shakti or Gauri, consort of Shiva) form. There are various Siddha processes formulated in the solidification of mercury. The processes are painful and may require several hours and even days to complete. The resulting solidified mercury is enhanced with vital divine properties and it attain its very holy and beneficial effects when it is solidified and carved as Shiva Lingam. It is believed that the worship of Rasalingam or Parad Lingam promotes health and longevity.

Kodiyidai Amman Sametha Masilamaniswara Temple is situated at Thirumullaivoyal, a small town forming part of west Chennai and the temple is 2 km away from Ambattur. The prime deity Shiva at this temple was incarnated by the hymns of Sundarar, Ramalinga Adigalar and Arunagirinathar. A Rasalingam is installed in the second corridor near sanctum sanctorum of Shiva. The huge Shiva Linga in the sanctum sanctorum is covered with sandal paste. Every year in the month of Chittirai(Mar-Apr), on Sadaya nakshatra(Sadayam star), the Santhana kappu (Sandal paste cover)is refurbished with Veru kappu. This is believed to be the treatment for the blood that oozed out of the deity because of the king's attack.

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