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| − | '''The Lingam''' (also, ''Linga'', ''Shiva linga'' [[Sanskrit]] लिङ्गं {{IAST|liṅgaṃ}}, meaning "mark," or "sign,") is a symbol for the worship of the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] god [[Shiva]]. While its origins are debated, the use of this symbol for [[worship]] is a timeless tradition in [[India]]. Scholars have connected the origin of the lingam to the early [[Indus Valley]] civilisation.
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| − | Puranas signify its greatest virtue is said to be in its simplicity which stands between idol worship and non-idolism - as a pillar of flame.<ref>{{cite web
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| − | |url=http://www.shaivam.org/shplinga.htm
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| − | |title= shiva lingam - A Glorious Worship
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| − | |publisher=www.shaivam.org
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| − | |accessdate=2007-01-12
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| − | The great warrior [[Arjuna]] in epic [[Mahabharatha]] worshipped Linga for acquiring Pashupatasthra ,great vedic scholar [[Ravana]] in epic [[Ramayana]] worshipped Shiva to present his mother Atmalinga, legendary rishi [[Markandeya]] and numerous [[rishis]] spread across timezones have worshipped the simplest looking Linga. Rishis used to leave all materialism to attain spirituality and a lump of soil in forest was what was required to worship and meditate. Scientifically from [[Lingayatism]] or [[Veerashaivism]] it helps one relate to cosmic energy through meditation of Istalinga worshipped by keeping it on palm.<ref>{{cite web
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| − | |url=http://members.aol.com/ukumbar/vsny/Detailed.htm#BM8
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| − | |title=Concept of God in Veerashaivism
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| | [[Image:linga_dws.jpg|right|thumb|A '''Linga'''. These three white stripes evoke [[Śaivism]]. The appendage to the right is used to retrieve liquids poured on it during [[puja]] worship, as water or milk.]] | | [[Image:linga_dws.jpg|right|thumb|A '''Linga'''. These three white stripes evoke [[Śaivism]]. The appendage to the right is used to retrieve liquids poured on it during [[puja]] worship, as water or milk.]] |
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| − | ==Etymology==
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| − | The term, "linga" has many meanings. [[Monier-Williams]] gives "a mark, spot, sign, token, badge, emblem, characteristic" as general meanings besides the more specific "male organ, phallus".
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| − | [[Swami Sivananda]], said that "the ''linga means a mark'', in Sanskrit. It is a symbol which points to an inference. When you see a big flood in a river, you infer that there had been heavy rains the previous day. When you see smoke, you infer that there is fire. This vast world of countless forms is a Linga of the omnipotent Lord. The Siva-Linga is a symbol of Lord Siva. When you look at the Linga, your mind is at once elevated and you begin to think of the Lord."
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| − | [[Bansi Pandit]], in his book, ''Hindu Dharma'' said, that "Shivalinga means "Shiva symbol." He further adds that the word ''linga is derived from the two Sanskrit words laya (dissolution) and agaman (recreation).'' Thus, shivalinga symbolizes that entity in which the creation merges at the time of dissolution and out of which the universe reappears at the beginning of the new cycle of creation."
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| − | Shivling (6543m) is also a mountain in [[Uttarakhand]] (the Garwhal region of Himalayas). It arises as a sheer pyramid above the snout of the [[Gangotri Glacier]]. The mountain resembles a shivling when viewed from certain angles; especially when travelling or trekking from Gangotri to Gomukh as a part of a traditional Hindu pilgrimage.
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| − | The word is first attested in the [[Brahmanas]], both with general meanings of "sign, mark, characteristic" and of "gender mark, genital". Its etymology is uncertain, suggestions include Germanic ''*leik'' (English ''alike'') as a cognate.
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| − | ==Interpretations==
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| | [[Image:1008linga.jpg|right|thumb|1008 Lingas carved on a rock surface. Photograph is taken at the shore of the river [[Tungabhadra]], [[Hampi]], India]] | | [[Image:1008linga.jpg|right|thumb|1008 Lingas carved on a rock surface. Photograph is taken at the shore of the river [[Tungabhadra]], [[Hampi]], India]] |
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| − | Various interpretations on the origin and symbolism of the Shiva lingam obtain. While the [[Tantra]]s and [[Purana]]s deem the Shiva lingam a [[phallic]] symbol representing the regenerative aspect of the material universe, the [[Agama]]s and [[Shastra]]s do not elaborate on this interpretation, and the [[Vedas]] fail altogether to mention the Lingam.
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| − | In ''Hindu Dharma'', Bansi Pandit explains that "Shivalinga consists of three parts. The bottom part which is four-sided remains under ground, the middle part which is eight-sided remains on a pedestal and the top part which is actually worshipped is round. The height of the round part is one-third of its circumference. The three parts symbolize Brahma at the bottom, Vishnu in the middle and Shiva on the top. The pedestal is provided with a passage for draining away the water that is poured on top by devotees. The linga symbolizes both the creative and destructive power of the Lord and great sanctity is attached to it by the devotees."
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| − | ===Lingam as an ''abstract symbol of God''===
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| − | Some interpreters of [[itihasa|Hindu scripture]] believe the lingam to be merely an abstract symbol, and point out that Lingams in many of the more important temples are not of the shape described above.{{fact}} Furthermore, there are instances in Hindu lore where a rock or pile of sand has been used by heroic personages as a Lingam or symbol of [[Shiva]]. For example, [[Arjuna]] fashioned a lingam of clay when worshipping Shiva. Thus, it is argued, too much should not be made of the usual shape of the Lingam. This view is also consonant with philosophies that hold that God may be conceptualized and worshipped in any convenient form; the form itself is irrelevant, the divine power that it represents is all that matters.
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| − | [[Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami]] explains in the lexicon section of his book, ''Dancing with Siva'', that "Sivalinga is the most prevalent [[icon]] of [[Siva]], found in virtually all Siva temples. It is a rounded, elliptical, aniconic image, usually set on a circular base, or peetham. The [[Sivalinga]] is the simplest and most ancient symbol of Siva, especially of [[Parasiva]], God beyond all forms and qualities. The [[pitha|Peetham]] represents [[Parashakti]], the manifesting power of God. Lingas are usually of stone (either carved or naturally existing, [[swayambhu]], such as shaped by a swift-flowing river), but may also be of metal, precious gems, crystal, wood, earth or transitory materials such as ice. According to the Karana Agama (6), a transitory Sivalinga may be made of 12 different materials: sand, [[rice]], cooked food, river clay, [[cow dung]], [[butter]], [[rudraksha]] beads, ashes, [[sandalwood]], [[darbha grass]], a flower [[garland]], or [[molasses]]."
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| − | [[Swami Sivananda]] states that the linga represents the formless, attributeless [[Nirguna Brahman]] or the formless [[Supreme Being]] Lord Siva, who is the indivisible, all-pervading, eternal, auspicious, ever-pure, immortal essence of this vast universe, the undying soul seated in the chambers of your heart, and the Indweller, innermost Self or Atman and who is identical with the Supreme Brahman.{{fact}}
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| − | He further holds that although the Agamas do not derive their authority from the Vedas, the two are not mutually antagonistic. Some scholars hold the view that anything that contradicts the Vedas or is inconsistent with its spirit is not authoritative. According to this perspective, the [[Puranic]] and [[Tantric]] conceptualizations are secondary to the Vedas and the Agamas which are vedic in spirit. In this point of view, the conceptualization of the lingam as a phallic symbol does not carry much weight, since the Vedas & Agamas say nothing in the matter.{{fact}}
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| − | ==Ancient lingams==
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| − | Lingams have been recovered from the [[Indus Valley Civilization]] archeological sites at [[Harappa]] and [[Mohenjodaro]].
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| − | ==A naturally occurring lingam==
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| − | A lingam at [[Amarnath]] in the western [[Himalaya]]s forms every winter from ice dripping on the floor of a cave and freezing like a [[stalagmite]]. It is very popular with pilgrims.
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| − | ==Notes==
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| − | <references/>
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| − | ==References==
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| − | *Schumacher, Stephan and Woerner, Gert, ''The encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and religion, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Hinduism'', Shambhala, Boston, (1994) ISBN 0-87773-980-3
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| − | == See also ==
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| − | * [[Hindu iconography]]
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| − | * [[Lingayatism]]
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| − | * [[Phurba]]
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| − | * [[Shiva]]
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| − | ==External links==
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| − | {{commonscat|lingam}}
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| − | [[Sivananda]]'s explanation about Linga being a Symbol of Shiva:
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| − | * [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.htm#_VPID_110 The Siva-Linga: A Symbol Which Points To An Inference.]
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| − | * [http://www.shaivam.org/shplinga.htm Linga, symbol of Shiva, God who is formless, attributeless and omnipresent.]
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| − | * [http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/shivalinga Shiva Linga]
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| − | * [http://www.svabhinava.org/TransgressiveSacrality/Dialogues/Shivalinga/Shivalinga.htm A discussion on the Shiv Lingam]
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| − | * [http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info/siva.html Siva Temple Kuzhalmannam Agraharam]
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| − | * [http://members.aol.com/ukumbar/vsny/Detailed.htm#BM8 Veershaivite view of Linga as an abstract symbol of God.]
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| − | * [http://www.thailex.info/THAILEX/THAILEXENG/lexicon/linga.htm lingam in Southeast Asia]
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| − | * [http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/india/bhubaneshwar/pr15.html Photo Sahasra Linga]
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| − | * [http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelpix/304540330/ Photo of Mt Shivling]
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| | [[Category: Philosophy and religion]] | | [[Category: Philosophy and religion]] |
| | [[Category: Religion]] | | [[Category: Religion]] |
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| − | {{Credit1|Lingam|104136719}}
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