3. Linga – The Symbol or Phallus
The Sanskrit word Linga is the term for the emblem of the Hindu God Shiva. It is the depiction of Shiva in a column or pillar form. It represents the phallus, but at the same time it is the representation of the cosmos and a symbol of fertility, life and regeneration. Linga does not only specific a phallus but it is a word which translates best as a symbol indicating a distinguishing mark, a characteristic of gender or sex. Linga worship is also known as Nirguna worship which is characterised as the worship of the formless. The worship of idols or Shiva in any form is called Saguna worship.
There are various myths connected with the Linga that narrates that Shiva first appeared in this form as the beginning less and endless cosmic pillar (Stambha) of fire, the top and bottom of which could not be seen so as to resolve a dispute between …show more content…
In Shaivism, the yoni is often associated with the linga, which is Shiva’s symbol. In sculpture and paintings, the linga is depicted as resting in the yoni as a cylinder in a spouted dish. The two symbols together represent the eternal process of creation and regeneration, the union of the male and female principles, and the totality of all existence.
The origin of the of Shiva Linga also dates back to the early Indus Valley civilization, where people took to the togetherness of Linga and Yoni in a Shiva Linga as the point of energy, creation and enlightenment. In Shiva temples, Shiva cannot be worshipped without acknowledging the goddess. The Linga stone rises from a leaf shaped trough that points north towards the Pole Star. This is the Yoni, the entrance to the womb of the goddess. The temple is the container of the womb into which Shiva has been drawn. She envelops him, only through her can He be realised. Shiva and Shakti thus form one single
The Sanskrit word Linga is the term for the emblem of the Hindu God Shiva. It is the depiction of Shiva in a column or pillar form. It represents the phallus, but at the same time it is the representation of the cosmos and a symbol of fertility, life and regeneration. Linga does not only specific a phallus but it is a word which translates best as a symbol indicating a distinguishing mark, a characteristic of gender or sex. Linga worship is also known as Nirguna worship which is characterised as the worship of the formless. The worship of idols or Shiva in any form is called Saguna worship.
There are various myths connected with the Linga that narrates that Shiva first appeared in this form as the beginning less and endless cosmic pillar (Stambha) of fire, the top and bottom of which could not be seen so as to resolve a dispute between …show more content…
In Shaivism, the yoni is often associated with the linga, which is Shiva’s symbol. In sculpture and paintings, the linga is depicted as resting in the yoni as a cylinder in a spouted dish. The two symbols together represent the eternal process of creation and regeneration, the union of the male and female principles, and the totality of all existence.
The origin of the of Shiva Linga also dates back to the early Indus Valley civilization, where people took to the togetherness of Linga and Yoni in a Shiva Linga as the point of energy, creation and enlightenment. In Shiva temples, Shiva cannot be worshipped without acknowledging the goddess. The Linga stone rises from a leaf shaped trough that points north towards the Pole Star. This is the Yoni, the entrance to the womb of the goddess. The temple is the container of the womb into which Shiva has been drawn. She envelops him, only through her can He be realised. Shiva and Shakti thus form one single