The highest symbol of spiritual heights is the highly venerated Shivalinga! The Sivalinga is not just a phallic symbol as many mistakenly assume. While it is that, it’s a lot more, besides! The Shivalinga symbolizes Mahadeva at the peak of ecstasy…and Mahadeva is inseparable from his Shakti. It’s in their oneness that Shakti rises and raises…and it’s that peak that sadhaks and spiritual seekers aspire to! There are some things that are best hinted at and the power of sexual energy is only hinted at in Sanatan Dharma. Instead of talking about it at length, the Shivalinga was/is placed in every locality and area to inspire and guide the perceptive and willing souls without dwelling at length on the reasons thereof. Those that practice/d Tantra seized upon the significance and opened their hearts and minds to its power. In the process, many were so deeply attracted to the supreme ecstasy that their lives became dedicated towards that end, forfeiting their interest in other social activities and goals. In a sense, they were willing to become ‘lost’ souls to society which often tended to look upon them with a mixture of distrust, awe, fear, mystery and many other mixed emotions. Some of these practitioners were happy to be misjudged, misapprehended and even denigrated because it gave them the supreme freedom to do as they liked, explore as they chose and live as they felt guided!