Lingam
A Lingam (Sanskrit: लिङ्ग IAST: liṅga, lit. “sign, symbol or mark”), sometimes referred to as linga or Shiva linga, is an abstract or aniconic representation of the Hindu god Shiva in Shaivism. The word lingam is found in the Upanishads and epic literature, where it means a “mark, sign, emblem, characteristic”, the “evidence, proof, symptom” of Shiva and Shiva’s power.
The lingam of the Shaivism tradition is a short cylindrical pillar-like symbol of Shiva, made of stone, metal, gem, wood, clay or precious stones. It is often represented within a disc-shaped platform, the yoni – its feminine counterpart, consisting of a flat element, horizontal compared to the vertical lingam, and designed to allow liquid offerings to drain away for collection.
The lingam is an emblem of generative and destructive power. While rooted in representations of the male sexual organ, the lingam is regarded as the “outward symbol” of the “formless reality”, the symbolization of merging of the ‘primordial matter’ (Prakṛti) with the ‘pure consciousness’ (Purusha) in transcendental context. The lingam-yoni iconography symbolizes the merging of microcosmos and macrocosmos, the divine eternal process of creation and regeneration, and the union of the feminine and the masculine that recreates all of existence.
The lingam is typically the primary murti or devotional image in Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, also found in smaller shrines, or as self-manifested natural objects.
In Hinduism, a Shivling (also spelled Shiva Linga or Shivalinga) is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, a major deity in the Hindu pantheon. It is not a literal depiction of a body part, but rather an abstract representation of the divine energy and creative power of Shiva. The Shivling is typically depicted as an oval or cylindrical stone structure, often placed on a circular base called a Yoni, which symbolizes the feminine principle.
Key aspects of the Shivling:
- Symbolism: The Shivling is a symbol of the infinite and eternal nature of Lord Shiva, representing the union of masculine (Linga) and feminine (Yoni) energies and the creative power of the universe.
- Not a Reproductive Organ: It’s crucial to understand that the Shivling is not meant to be interpreted as a representation of a reproductive organ. The word “linga” in Sanskrit means “sign” or “symbol”.
- Worship: The Shivling is a focal point for worship in Shaivism, one of the major denominations of Hinduism. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and water or milk to the Shivling as a form of reverence and devotion.
- Parts of the Shivling: The Shivling typically has three parts: the Brahma-Pitha (base), the Vishnu-Pitha (middle part), and the Shiva-Pitha (top).
- Significance: The Shivling is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment to those who worship it.
- Scientific Explanation: Some interpretations suggest the Shivling represents the three parts of the universe: the bottom with four sides underground, the middle with eight sides on a pedestal, and the round top.
- Different forms: The Shivling can be found in various forms, including the Jyotirlingas, which are considered especially sacred pilgrimage sites.
The reason for Śiva’s assuming the phallic form (liṅga) [Chapter 12]