Shiva Lingam Symbol – History And Meaning

The Shiva lingam, also referred to as Shiva linga, is a non-figural representation of the Hindu god Shiva. It is often depicted within a disk-shaped platform and revered as the beginning of all creation.

The Shiva lingam frequently appears in Shiva’s temples. It is the most common object of worship for the said Hindu god. The Shiva lingam is said to aid in focusing attention and going beyond one’s consciousness. 

This lingam has been interpreted as a phallic symbol used for worship in temples. The Shiva lingam is often depicted alongside the yoni, the lingam’s female counterpart which is a symbol of Shakti or the female divine energy. 

Shiva Lingam Symbol – History And Meaning

If you want to learn more about the Shiva Lingam symbol, read on to find out the meaning, history, and significance of this Hindu symbol.

Shiva Lingam History

Long before idols were created, devotees worshipped Shiva by chanting mantras in front of a cylindrical or oval stone. This was Shiva in his symbolic form known as lingam. This symbol is representative of this major Hindu god’s progenitive powers. 

A legend goes that Vishnu and Brahma once had an argument as to who was dominant over the other, both trying to demonstrate supremacy to each other. A fiery lingam materialized while the two were engrossed in their dispute.

Both deities were asked to look for the lingam’s beginning and its end. Brahma turned into a swan and flew up to the heavens. Vishnu, on the other hand, changed into a boar and dug the skies. They failed and Shiva came out of the lingam, declaring supremacy over the two. Vishnu and Brahma acceded and prostrated before Shiva.

The first proof of Shiva appears on a seal from the Indus Valley civilization dating way back to the pre-Vedic era. It is a depiction of a naked man sitting in a yogic position with an erect sex organ, donning a horned headgear, and surrounded by animals. The script has never been deciphered so the exact representation of this image can only be speculated.

This image, however, is believed by most scholars to be an early form of Lord Shiva because it shows at least three of his attributes: Shiva as Yogeshwara, lord of yoga; as Pashupati, lord of animals; and as lord of the phallus—Lingeshwara.

The oldest known Shiva lingam is the Gudimallam lingam in the Parashurameshwara temple. This lingam dates to the 3rd century BC. 

Short cylinder-shaped pillars with curved tops were also discovered in the Indus Valley civilization. But no evidence proves that these objects were used as functioned as lingams. 

There is a theory developed by historians and anthropologists on the lingam being central to a form of phallic worship that they believe to have once existed among tribal Indians. The indigenous people of India were even referred to as phallus worshippers, or they “whose God is the phallus.”

Today, Shiva’s worshippers continue to venerate the lingam in temples with offerings of leaves, flowers, water, fruits, and fresh milk.

The lingam’s association with Shiva’s organ is not based on scriptures. This has created a link between the Shiva lingam and procreation, fertility, and erotic gratification. The symbol, according to scriptural description, is Shiva’s representation as “Divine Consciousness.” Shiva is the “non-dual truth” containing the origin of the entire cosmos. He is neither a person nor a deity.

The Shiva Lingam Symbol

The Shiva lingam denotes the identification of the truth or reality, which can be recognized but not seen. It is a holy object in Hinduism, the symbol for one of this religion’s principal deities, Shiva.

The Shiva lingam is the most ancient of Hindu symbols. This phallus-shaped symbol signifies the oneness of the cosmos and its creator. The representation is not just Shiva, but the fulfillment of the divine consciousness.

This symbol may be created with a variety of materials like river clay, plastic, wood, glass, sandalwood paste, even rice, and flour. Permanent lingams are commonly made using metal, stones, or even precious gems.  

The most important lingams, though, are called “svayambhuva” or self-manifested natural objects. About 70 of these lingams are revered in temples all over India. Found on the ground or in caves, svayambhuva lingams are believed to have sprung into existence by themselves and are considered to be as old as time. 

The Shiva lingam is worn as an amulet in some Hindu sects. Its presence is said to bestow good effects upon its wearer and those around them. They also believe that their past sins are cleansed when they worship the lingam.

Shiva Lingam Symbol Meaning

The Shiva lingam, the “phallus” in Hinduism, is the symbol of the god Shiva. 

“Lingam” is the Sanskrit word for “sign” or “distinguishing mark.” “Shiv” means immaculate and auspicious, while “lingam” refers to the subtle body. Therefore, Shiva lingam’s literal meaning is “the formless, subtle body of Shiva.” 

The tantric texts state that there is only one Truth and it is known as “Shiva”—bliss and light without limit, beginning or end. The light cannot be described, has no limits or an end, and is formless, so they called it “linga.”