Purva-Phalguni - Understanding Metaphor

The mythological story of Purva-Phalguni Nakshatra is another weird and chaotic one which invites different interpretation. Also, we can say that something remains weird until and unless, we understand it in right perspective. So, if we are able to decode it, it doesn’t remain weird anymore.

Again, this story can be interpreted in many different ways and it all depends on the evolution level of interpreter and his vocabulary as to what meaning he wants to take out of any story or text.

So here, I will try to my little understanding and interpretations of this story of Purva-Phalguni Nakshatra.

Mythological Story of Purva-Phalguni Nakshatra –The main story related with Purva-Phalguni is about worshipping of Shiva-Lingam which is considered as Cosmic-Pillar keeping the balance of Universe as per Linga Purana, one of the 18 Mahapuranas. It is when the 7 Sages were visited by Lord Shiva in naked form and the Womenfolks of Ashram got scared by looking at his Lingam. 7 Sages got angry and cursed that his Lingam may fall-off. Shiva knowing what would be the end result, still accepted the wish of 7 Sages and agreed that his Lingam may be castrated. At the same moment, the balance of Universe was disturbed and Lord Brahma had to intervene. He ordered the 7 sages to immediately worship the castrated Lingam. 7 Sages did that. Lord Shiva got pleased by their devotion and Universe found its balance again.

Interpretation – Now, here is my interpretation of this story –

a. The portion of story which is most important and needs to be understood in right perspective is – “It is when the 7 Sages were visited by Lord Shiva in naked form and the Womenfolks of Ashram got scared by looking at his Lingam. 7 Sages got angry and cursed that his Lingam may fall-off. Shiva knowing what would be the end result, still accepted the wish of 7 Sages and agreed that his Lingam may be castrated. At the same moment, the balance of Universe was disturbed and Lord Brahma had to intervene”.

b. As per my understanding, this story is all about Sexual Repression and the imbalance Sexual Repression can cause in this world. 

c. The curse of 7 Sages about Shiva-Lingam may be castrated is reflective of general condemnation of Sex in human life which we can see around us. Then the portion of imbalance in Universe due to Shiva-Lingam castration is also something we can see all around us. Then the portion in which Shiva-Lingam was worshipped is the guideline to us that we should have respect towards Sexual energy inside all of us as it is the source on which human life stands.

d. If we just look around us then we can realize the relevance of this story and impact of sexual repression in our daily life. 

e. One very evident result is ever-growing world population. It may be interesting to know that we have doubled the world population in last 50 years. World Population in 1975 was about 4 billion and now we are going towards 8 billion. We all know that one of main reason behind this is sexual repression and lack of sex awareness/education in general. 

f. But there are other pervert ways by which this sexual repression is coming out. It has become almost normal to look at news of Sexual Crimes in daily life. Our top TV Shows are full of Adult Jokes. Sex-Comedy is a normal genre in movies. We all know that Prostitution and Porn are among the highest money making industries. Our slightest of jokes do have a sexual tone in it.

g. This is the imbalance which Sexual Repression and Sexual Unawareness has caused in our lives and this story gives guidance in this matter only. There is a need to educate, understand and respect the Sexual Energy within all of us.

h. As Osho says, anything that is repressed will come back with double force. Same sexual energy, if understood clearly, can be helpful in creativity.

Hope this helps. Thanks,

SPB