Lingam

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Lingam or Linga (Sanskrit: Gender as in purusha-linga : Phallus) by some etymologists, is used as a symbol for the worship of the Hindu God Shiva. The use of this symbol as an object of worship is a timeless tradition in India; mainstream scholars connect the origin of the lingam to the early Indus Valley civilisation. Lingam is usually found with Yoni. It was natural for the tribes of Indus Valley to look at the togetherness of genital parts of the male and female (Lingam and Yoni) as the point of energy, point of creation, and point of enlightenment. Such revelation was later enriched by many philosophies and theologies as man's knowledge of God widened with civilization.

Related Topics:
Sanskrit - Gender - Shiva - Indus Valley

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[[Image:linga_dws.jpg|right|thumb|A Linga resting on a yoni. These three white stripes evoke ?aivism. The appendage to the right is used to retrive liquids poured on it during puja worship, as water or milk.

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Bansi Pandit, in his book, Hindu Dharma, further 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.

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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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