Omkareshwar, one of the famous 12 Jyotirlingas, is a beautiful self manifest Linga on the banks of the holy river Narmada. The smooth, round pebbles found in this river are called “Bana Lingas” and also Narmada Shiva Linga. Several scriptures extol the virtues of worshipping the Bana-Linga. What Salagramas are to Vishnu, the bana-lingas are to Shiva – sacred and self-manifest representations. If the Salagrama are stones found only in the Gandaki river, the bana-lingas are stones found only in the Narmada river. The currents of the Narmada river are very strong and forceful, and the stones are carried from the rocky river-sides, rendering them smooth and polished.

According to Yajnavalkya-samhita, the bana-lingas obtained in the river Narmada are the very forms of Siva assumed by the God at the request of Banasura and are therefore the holiest of objects. Worshipping one bana-linga gets the benefits that can be procured by worshipping a crore of other lingas.

The demon Bana was the eldest son of Bali, who in turn was the grandson of Prahlad. Bana was a great devotee of Siva, and Siva gave him his own representative in the form of a natural linga of worship (banrchartham krtam lingam); hence the name Bana-linga. As the bana-lingas are self-manifest forms of Siva, they are holier than any other anionic forms of Siva. According to Yajnavalkya-samhita the bana-lingas are actually bits of the river-side rock, which flowed into the stream Narmada. The rock by the side of the river was itself the linga, the form assumed by Siva to bless the asura Bana. Siva dwells in that rock and the parts of the rock which we find in the river are, therefore, aspects of Siva.

The bana-lingas in the Narmada River may be the shape of a ripe jambu-fruit, or of a swan’s egg. They may be honey-coloured, white, blue or emerald-hued. Suta-samhita, which also extols the bana-lingas, mentions that the best bana-lingas are like the lotus seeds or like the hen’s egg in shape. According to scriptures, one can simply keep them in pooja and worship and there is no need to ceremonially instal the bana-lingas. They do not require the normal ritual of invocation of divine presence (avahana) etc, for the divine presence is already there, and will continue to be there quite independently of any rituals. Its worship is said to secure worldly welfare as well as emancipation from worldly involvement. It is therefore claimed that the bana-linga when

worshipped is a thousand times more effective than any other linga.

Narmada ShivalingNarmada Shiva Lingams come from the Narmada River in India,which is one of the seven sacred holy places of pilgrimage in India and thecollection of these stones is passed down from generation to generation. TheNarmada River is considered to be very sacred. The Narmada River is consideredthe mother and giver of peace. Legend has it that the mere sight of this riveris enough to cleanse one's soul, as against a dip in the Ganga or seven in theYamuna. The Ganga is believed to visit this river once a year, in the guise ofa black cow to cleanse herself of all her collected sins.The Shivalings are made of crypto crystalline quartz, and are said to have beenformed from a meteorite that fell to Earth several million years ago. Theycontain one of the loftiest vibrations of all stones on Earth.. The Narmada shivalingas represents the blending of male and female energy,with the shape of the stone representing the male (knowledge), and the markingsrepresenting the female (wisdom). Shiva and Shakti (consort of Lord Shivarepresent this union of male and female energies - essential for the growth ofthe human race. The shivlings works with the breath and the fluids of the bodycreating a harmony in the body's flow. The Shiva of Narmadeshawara Lingamstones are sacred in both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. They are gathered onesacred day a year from an area near the source of the Narmada River about 300miles north of Mumbai. Of the stones gathered, the most beautiful are polishedinto this traditional egg/oval shape by the action of the river.According to Vedic text, Narmada shivlings illustrate harmony through

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duality.In these shivlings are the energy of divine acceptance of what is, as is.Narmada shivlings represent power, creation and the physical plane or groundingof those who accompany these sacred stones.

Narmada Shivaling worshipNarmada shivaling is for every common man. Shiva lingasare like fire, Lord Shiva keeps doing penance - jwaalaagni - the fire of penanceblazing all over him & from him - so, we always keep him cool - he is alsocalled Abhisheka Priya - bathing divine elements is called Abhisheka insanskrit. The more you bathe him, the more happy he is. Lingam Pooja is donedaily with abhishekas (Divine Bathing) with fresh milk, Fresh Curd, aromaticherbal powders & water chanting the following mantra :THATH PURUSHAAYA VITHMAHAEMAHADEVAYA DHEEMAHITHANNO RUDRA PRACHODHAYAATHLightincence and offer dhoop. After bathing the linga, wipe them gently with adesignated cloth - apply some sandal powder moistened with little water tobring it to a paste form & vermillon. Rudram chanting pleases Lord Shiva whichis either recited or played during the abhisheka (Divine Bathing). The aboveprocess is the Puja and if done with a pure heart & consciousness & trueaspiration, the Lord will certainly accept it. Narmada Shivaling worshipNarmada shivaling is for every common man. Shiva lingas are like fire, LordShiva keeps doing penance - jwaalaagni - the fire of penance blazing all overhim & from him - so, we always keep him cool - he is also called AbhishekaPriya - bathing divine elements is called Abhisheka in sanskrit. The more youbathe him, the more happy he is. Lingam Pooja is done daily with

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abhishekas(Divine Bathing) with fresh milk, Fresh Curd, aromatic herbal powders & waterchanting the following mantra :THATH PURUSHAAYA VITHMAHAEMAHADEVAYA DHEEMAHITHANNO RUDRA PRACHODHAYAATHLight incence and offer dhoop. After bathing thelinga, wipe them gently with a designated cloth - apply some sandal powdermoistened with little water to bring it to a paste form & vermillon. Rudramchanting pleases Lord Shiva which is either recited or played during theabhisheka (Divine Bathing). The above process is the Puja and if done with apure heart & consciousness & true aspiration, the Lord will certainly acceptit.

What are Bana Lingas ?

The Bana Lingam is a most Sacred Symbol and Divine Energy Tool, both in the ancient and in this modern world and it comes with the loftiest frequency of vibrations (compared to any stone on Earth) and appears from only one place on the entire Planet of Earth - in the cradles of Holy River Narmada. The Bana Lingas are Swayambhu Shiva Lingas that have taken shape in the Sacred Narmada River, in the Central Western part of India. This is why the Bana Lingams are also known as the Narmada Bana Lingas or Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingas.

The Narmadha Bana Lingas became very famous throughout the world, after the film "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" was screened : this is the very same Sacred Stone that they were searching for !

The Sacred Narmada River is one of the Sapta Gangas - Seven Holy Rivers of India. The Hindustani Legends identify it with "Reva" of epic celebrity, which is described as the "sweat" flowing out of Lord Shiva's own body when he performed his Cosmic Dance "Thandhava" and therefore considered as holiest of rivers. It's waters are of such purifying quality that the polluted River Ganges makes an yearly visit to the Narmada in the form of a black cow or a dark

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woman for a purifying dip in the Sacred Narmada River, to cleanse her collected sins ! On the river bank of the Narmada is the Omkareshwar, the most famous among the twelve Jyothirlingas.

Many Vedic Scriptures propound that the natural Narmada Bana Lingas are self-manifest respresentations of Lord Shiva. What Salagramas are to Lord Maha Vishnu that Narmada Bana Lingas are to Lord Shiva.     

The Composition & Symbolism of Narmada Bana Lingas :    

The Shiva Lingas that are formed in the River Narmada 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 geothite inclusion) alongwith Basalt and Agate - this unique composition coupled with elliptical shape has a precise resonance in alignment with our Energy Centers or Chakras and are used for thousands of years as Divine Energy Generators for Cleansing, Healing and for Meditation. The Narmada Bana Lingas are quite strong and the hardness is a 7 on the Moe's Scale.

It is the considered view of many researchers and geologists that the unique composition of the Narmadha Shiva Lingas was due to the impregnation of it's rocky river-sides and the rocks in the river bed, 14 million years ago by a large meteorite that crashed into the Narmada River. The fusion of the Meteorite and the Earthly Minerals has spawned a new and unique type of Crystalline Rock with extraordinary energetic qualities - the Narmada Bana Lingam.   

Over a period of time, the impregnated rocks split into rock bits and pebbles and were moulded by the strong and forceful currents of the Narmada River which naturally tumbled and produced perfectly shaped and polished Shivalingams. As the Narmada River has strong currents and accessable only during dry seasons, certain families (who hold the "rights" ancestorily for doing this, and passed down through generations and have been traditionally trained, to identify only the most special stones) are allowed to harvest the stones from the river once a year after a special ceremony while the river is low, when the stones may be more easily collected. Once collected, these Sacred Stones are finally hand-polished with a waxy butter - a mystic mixture of mud, dung, natural oils, special herbs and wax by specially trained artisans to bring out the natural markings which are inherent in their composition and a unique, soft glow. This is much like a

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diamond cutter who cuts rough material to bring out the best in the diamond. The holy waters of the River Narmada protect these rounded bed rocks within its darkness, and when polished as per the prescription, their inner beauty is revealed to us. The Narmadeshwar Shivalingas are quite tough and take a good polish, when cabbed.

The Narmada Bana Lingam's upright egg shape represents the Pure Consciousness of Lord Shiva and the Holy Markings on the Sacred Stone (which differ greatly from stone to stone) represent the interactive aspect of Goddess Shakti (The Holy Consort of Lord Shiva), the Divine Seed which is fertilized to manifest the Creative Power in the Dance of the Cosmos. Together, they represent the Union  of the Supreme Male and Supreme Female Energies - Shiva and Shakti : Shiva Sakthi, the Wholeness and Oneness. It should also be understood that  the Narmada Shiva Lingam represents the Divine Blending of Knowledge (Shiva) and Wisdom (Shakthi). This is the very same concept expressed by the "Yin" and "Yang" Concept of another Eastern Wisdom from the Orient. There is a school of thought that considers that this is a way of transitioning between Murthis (Formed Shapes) and the Formless. The Sacred Shiva Lingam is widely considered to be the "Form of the Formless".  According to Vedic Texts, the Narmada Shiva Lingas illustrate Harmony through Duality and represent Power, Creation and the Physical Plane or Grounding of those who have these Divine Energy Tools. The Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingams, because of their divine vibrations, are popularly called as "Cosmic Eggs" by NewAge Metaphysical Practitioners. They are also identified subconsciously with our physical origin, an embryo - the Holy Embryo : Divine Creative Manifestation of the Sacred Soul.

Vedic Legends about Origin of Narmada Bana Lingas :

There are many legends about the origin of the Bana Lingas and their association with the Narmada, in the Puranic Texts like Aparajita-pariprchchha, Yajnavalkya Samhita, Mathsaya Purana (Chapter 5), Hari Vamsa (Vishnu Parva - Chapter 173) and Bhagavatha Purana (10th Skandha - Chapter 62), with slightly varying accounts. Two of the most popular ones are narrated below :

Legend 1 :

The Asura Raja (Demon King) Bana was the eldest of the one hundred sons of Bali - Bali was the son of King Virochana, the grandson of Prahaladha (the famous devotee of Lord Maha Vishnu's

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incarnation, Lord Narasimha) and the great grandson of King Hiranyakasipu. King Banasura himself was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and to seek the Divine Blessings of Lord Shiva, he performed severe penances for a long time, in the Holy Himalayas, invoking Lord Shiva's favour. Finally Lord Shiva appeared in answer to his austerities and agreed to grant him a boon. Banasura wished for himself One Thousand Arms carrying a multitude of weapons to destroy his enemies and desired that Goddess Parvathi consider him as her own son - he was bestowed with what he asked. Drunk with power and arrogance, the Demon King started torturing all the three worlds. Honouring the requests of the Devas and Lord Indra, Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu) severed all the one thousand arms and the weapons they were holding, with his Sri Sudharsana Chakra, the Divine Discus. However, Lord Shiva honoured the Demon King (who was, inspite of being an Asura, was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva) by giving him his own representation in the form of Swayambu (natural, self-manifest) Shiva Linga, hence the name Bana Linga.

Legend 2 :

Once Lord Shiva wanted to destroy the Flying City of "Tripura", which had been obtained as a Boon by the Demon Chieftian Banasura. So, Lord Shiva released a powerful and fiery arrow from his Divine Bow called "Pinaka". The dart split and broke the "Three Puras" into tiny bits, which fell on Earth in 3 spots : (1) on the hills of Sri-Kshetra, which is of unknown identity to this day; (2) on the peaks of Amarakanthaka in the Vindhya ranges and (3) on the banks of the Sacred Narmada River. The bits that fell soon multiplied into crores, each bit becoming a Shiva Linga. As they formed part of the possession of the Banasura, they were called as Bana Linga. Amarakanthaka, the peak in Madhya Pradesh State of India, is in close proximity to the Source of the River Narmada, which according to the Puranic Texts, originates in the Vindhya Mountains 914 metres above the sea level, flows westward for 1,292 kilometres through Mandla and Jubbalpore Districts and joins the Arabian Sea in Cambay (Kambhat) near Bharoch in Gujarat State.

It should be noted here that the word "Bana" also means an arrow, a reed-shaft, cow's udder and pike, quite independant of the legend concerning the Asura King Bana. 

The import of these legends is that the Narmada Bana-Lingas are self-manifest forms (Swayambhu) of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sakthi

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and that they are therefore holier than any other aniconic forms of Lord Shiva.    

What are the different types of Narmada Bana Lingas ?

There are many different types of Narmada Bana Lingas and depending upon the Sacred Markings and Holy Patterns over the body of the Linga, 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 Bana Lingas, to choose one for yourself - it is sufficient to take certain normal precautions listed at the end of this article.

The "Siddhanta Sekhara" states that the Bana Lingas picked up from the Holy River Narmada have been worshipped already by the Gods, especially by the Guardian Deities (Loka Pala) and the Sacred Stones are still said to contain the impress of such worship. There are Bana Lingas carrying the different marks characteristic of these Gods :

(1) Conch Shell mark on top (Samkhabha Mastaka) indicates it has been worshipped by Lord Maha Vishnu, the Protector of the Cosmos(2) Lotus Mark (Padhma) denotes it was worshipped by Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Cosmos(3) Parasol mark (Chharta) reveals it was worshipped by Lord Indra, the Ruler of the Deva World(4) Heads mark (Siro Yugma) shows it was worshipped by Lord Agni, the Fire God(5) Three Steps (Padha) denote it was worshipped by Lord Yama Khanda(6) Mace mark (Ghadha) indicates it was worshipped by Lord Isana(7) Water Vase mark (Khalasa) shows it was worshipped by Lord Varuna, the Water God(8) Banner mark (Dhvaja) denotes it was worshipped by Lord Vayu, the God of Air

"Vira Mitrodaya", the celebrated gloss on "Mitakshara" (which itself is a commentary by Vijnanesvara on Yajnavalkya's "Dharma Shastra"), quotes "Kolottara" on the subject of distinguishing the characteristic marks on the various Bana Lingams. This text enumerates 9 varieties of Bana Linghas, 8 of them corresponding to the 8 Guardian Deities (Lok-Palas) and the 9th one called Vaishnava Bana Lingam :

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(1) the Bana Lingas worshipped by Lord Devendra will fulfill all the desires and bestow sovereignty(2) the Agneya Bana Linga will be rosy coloured and warm to touch and carries the mark of the weapon Sakthi(3) the Yamya Bana Linga will have the form of a cudgel or of a tongue(4) the Nairrti Bana Linga will look like a sword, carries stain on it's body and will bestow the benefits of Jnana (Wisdom) and Yoga, however, it is not for the householder's worship(5) the Varuna Bana Linga will be round in shape and may be distinguished by the marks of a noose (Pasa) and will bring prosperity(6) the Vayu Bana Linga will be of black colour or smoky complexioned or ash grey and will have the appearance of a flag post or may carry on it's head the mark of a banner(7) the Kaubhera Bana will be in the form of a quiver or noose or mace and there might be a hair like line in it's centre(8) the Raudhra Bana Linga will be lustrous like a block of ice and bears the marks of a bone or spear(9) the Vaishnava Bana Linga will have the marks of Conch Shell or Discus or Lotus or Mace or Jewels on the Chest (Srivatsa and Kaustubha) or the foot prints of Lord Maha Vishnu and will have variegated colours

"Haemadhri" enumerates nine types of Bana Lingas  :

(1) Swayambhu - honey coloured with two dark rings(2) Mrityunjaya - variegated colours with marks resembling spear and colis of matted hair(3) Nilakantha - elongated and white coloured with a black spot(4) Trilochana - white coloured with eye-like marks(5) Kalagni Rudhra - lustrous and dark, stout with matted-hair like marks(6) Tripurari - honey coloured with white marks resembling the sacrificial chord across and with lotus at the base(7) Isana - clear crystal with the top twany brown and marks of a trident(8) Ardhanariswara - white coloured on one side and red coloured on the other side(9) Maha Kala - slightly red in hue, shining, stout and longish in shape

What are the colours of Bana Lingas ?

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Each Bana Linga is unique with its own markings. The colour of the stone varies a lot, from grey to beige, to brown and a reddish brown. They may be honey coloured, white, blue, black or emerald-hued.

Are Bana Lingas worthy of Worship ?

Of the many categories of Shivalingas, the Bana Lingas come under the Swayambhu 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 (Prana Prathishta), as the Narmada Bana Lingas naturally contain the Vibhuti 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 and do not lose their merit under any circumstances. The "Marka Bheda Tantra" (Patala 7) makes a summary statement to this effect.  

However, if the ideal concept of Programming can be accomplished by a competant professional, then the Narmada Bana Lingams will bestow better and faster results. Among the several varieties of Lingas, Bana Lingas are said to be the most Sacred and it's worship the most effective. It is therefore claimed that the Bana Linga when worshipped is a thousand times more effective than any other Linga. While "Suprabheda" (33) roundly declares that all Bana Lingas are worship-worthy, the "Suta Samhita" and "Meru Tantra" (Chapter 9) state that the ideal size of Bana Lingas for worship must be minimum four angulas 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 Lingas, for Blessings and Protection.

Do Bana Lingas require Strict Worship and Elaborate Rituals ?

The Narmada Bana Lingas are similar to the Saligrama Stones (of the Gandaki River, Nepal) in this regard : both are Swayambhu. Being Self-Manifest, both are Divine Energy Tools and do not suffer from the many disadvantages and limitations of manushya-made forms and statues. They do not need to be ceremoniously installed or duly consecrated. They do not even require to go through the normal ritual of Invocation of Divine Presence (Avahana), for the Divine Presence is already there and will continue to be there, quite independantly of the rituals. This is clearly and boldly stated by the "Marka Bheda Tantra" (Patala 7). In fact, the "Yoga Sara" (Chapter 5)

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claims that by merely thinking about his/her Bana Lingam early in the morning, a person can gain success in all the tasks of the day.

Like the Sacred Shaligrams, there are no distinct prescriptions or procedures for the worship of Bana Lingams in Puranic Texts. There is only one Tantric Text "Yoga Sara" of Kaula influence that gives a separate dhyana and mantra for the worship of Bana Lingas, which is completely different from the standard worship ritual offered to Lord Shiva. This procedure in heavily tantric in orientation and involves a lot of visualising capabilities and might not be suitable to the householder.

Rigorous worship of any Sacred Object like the Narmada Bana Linga is always meritorious, but it is neither indispensable nor obligatory. The mere presence of a Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingam is said to grace its environment with harmony, mental peace, prosperity and protection. Regular worship of the Lingam with the Sacred Mantras, Vedic Suktams and Stotrams cause many intense and invisible effects. It is said that the sacred and powerful sounds from such mantras cause a powerful internal reverberation which is absorbed by the Bana Lingam. 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 karmic burdens of its worshipper - in other words, the Bana Lingam dissolves the negative karmic baggage (Praarabdha Karma) carried by the individual.

What are the benefits of having Bana Lingas ?

Numerous Scriptures acknowledge the superior merits of the Bana Lingams and extol the unsurpassed virtues of them, in bestowing many great benefits. The "Yajnavalkya Samhita" states that the benefits that can be obtained by worshipping a crore of other Shivalingas are got by worshipping just one Bana Linga. It is said that merely thinking about their Bana Lingaearly in the morning itself is likely to bestow success in all their enterprises of the day. It is also said that the Bana Lingams secure worldly welfare as well as emancipation from worldly involvement. It is the considered view of many that the Narmada Bana Lingams wash off sins and curses.

The Narmadeshwar Shiva Linga works with the breath and the fluids of the body creating a harmony in the body's flow.The Narmada Bana Linga 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

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know God. It brings believers into the mystical union with God. It heals and helps opening the chakras to resolve issues. It helps with activating the kundalini 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 it's surrounding environment, after cleansing the prevailing negative energies.

On one hand the Narmada Bana Lingam is the epitome of masculine power and attraction and oozes 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 Narmada Bana Lingas are highly communicative gemstones, each with its own individual personality, purpose and reason for being. It is believed that there is a Bana Linga destined for each one of us and that the Bana Linga will find it's way to us when the time is right and when we are ready to receive it into our lives.

The Sacred Narmada Shivalinga Stones can be used to remove negativity and harness and transmit harmonious vibrations throughout a home and office. A Mini Narmada Bana Linga can be carried by a person or worn around the neck as a Pendant 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 "Kedhara Khanda" define some "Dushta Bana Lingas" - the Bana Lingas that are not auspicious : those with very rough surface, those which are fully flattened and those which are split at the top. Haemadhri in "Lakshana Khanda" insists that those Bana Lingas 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.

(3) Currently a huge dam is being built on the River Narmada. Once the dam is successfully completed, the rest of the Sacred Narma Stones will be submerged by more than a hundred feet of raging water and the chances for future harvests are extremely slim. The already harvested genuine Sacred Narmada Stones are becoming increasingly rare and are in high demand because of the exports. The

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high demands and scarce quantities will continue to boost the value of this unique Divine Energy Tool.

(4) Beware of spurious and fake Narmadha Bana Lingas. Not all the stones that are taken out of River Narmada are Bana Lingas. Similarly stones taken from Ganges and Yamuna Rivers too are sold as "Narmada Bana Lingas", because of the rising demand. The devotees are advised to approach a genuine organisation for obtaining an authentic Narmada Bana Lingam.

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