| Revision as of 02:27, 10 December 2004 editRaj2004 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users8,107 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 11:59, 10 December 2004 edit undoRaj2004 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users8,107 editsNo edit summaryNext edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| ]'''Lingam''' or '''Linga''' is the ] ] for ]. As well as being used as a symbol for the worship of the ] God ], the term is also used for a representation of the ] ]. A '''stone lingam''' is a naturally occurring ] ], also associated with Hinduism. The term is not used in the ]s but used frequently in the ]. | ]'''Lingam''' or '''Linga''' is the ] ] for ]. As well as being used as a symbol for the worship of the ] ] ], the term is also used for a representation of the ] ]. A '''stone lingam''' is a naturally occurring ] ], also associated with Hinduism. The term is not used in the ]s but used frequently in the ]. | ||
| The linga (sign) is a symbol of ], just as the cross (]) is a ] of ]. The linga is not a symbol of the ], but instead represents the fertility of ]. | The linga (sign) is a symbol of ], just as the cross (]) is a ] of ]. The linga is not a symbol of the ], but instead represents the fertility of ]. | ||
Revision as of 11:59, 10 December 2004
(Estate of Cynthia and Harlen Welsh
Lingam or Linga is the Sanskrit word for mark. As well as being used as a symbol for the worship of the Hindu God Shiva, the term is also used for a representation of the male sexual organ. A stone lingam is a naturally occurring ovular stone, also associated with Hinduism. The term is not used in the Vedas but used frequently in the Mahabharata.
The linga (sign) is a symbol of Shiva, just as the cross (logos) is a symbol of Christ. The linga is not a symbol of the penis, but instead represents the fertility of Nature.
Since God is without form, the linga represents Shiva or God. Many educated Hindus consider it wrong to worship images of Shiva himself. Other occurences of this practise occur in Arabia with the Black Stone of Mecca, the Omphalos of the Greeks, and the Ben Ben stones of Heliopolis, Egypt.
Commentary
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 pitha. The Sivalinga is the simplest and most ancient symbol of Siva, especially of Parasiva, God beyond all forms and qualities. The pitha represents Parashakti, the manifesting power of God. Lingas are usually of stone (either carved or naturally existing, svayambhu, 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 seeds, ashes, sandalwood, dharba grass, a flower garland or molasses."
See also yoni.
External link
References
- Schumacher, Stephan and Woerner, Gert The encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and religion, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Hinduism Shambala, Boston, (1994) ISBN 0-87773-980-3