Shiva Lingam
शिव लिङ्गम्
The Formless Form
Iconic & Symbolic
Description
An abstract or aniconic representation of Shiva, often depicted as a cylindrical pillar, sometimes emerging from a yoni (representing Shakti). It symbolizes the formless (Nirguna) yet potent (Saguna) nature of the Absolute Reality.
Meaning
The Formless Form
Symbolism
Formlessness and Eternity
Union of Shiva and Shakti
Infinite Cosmic Pillar
Source of All Creation
Transcendence Beyond Attributes
Iconography
Form
Cylindrical black stone or metal pillar, often resting in a Yoni base
Features
Smooth, rounded top (symbol of the infinite)
Often surrounded by water, flowers, and Bilva leaves
Represents unmanifest energy and consciousness
Variations
Eklinga (one lingam)
Chaturmukha Lingam (four-faced)
Jyotirlinga (pillar of light)
Swayambhu Lingam (self-manifested)
Philosophical Context
nirguna: The Lingam is worshipped as Nirguna Brahman—beyond form, gender, and attributes.
saguna: When worshipped with rituals and personified attributes, it becomes Saguna Shiva.
cosmic principle: Represents the Axis Mundi (cosmic axis), linking the Earth to the Divine.
Scriptural References
"Describes the origin of the lingam and its supreme status as the beginningless and endless pillar of fire (Jyotirlinga)."
"Dedicated entirely to the worship, philosophy, and symbolism of the Shiva Lingam."
"Narrates how various Lingas manifested in different locations (e.g., Jyotirlingas)."
"Mentions the lingam in its symbolic sense representing the Absolute Reality (Brahman)."
Major Temples & Representations
Kashi Vishwanath
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Somnath Jyotirlinga
Gujarat, India
Kedarnath Temple
Uttarakhand, India
Amarnath Cave Temple
Jammu and Kashmir, India
Worship & Rituals
Related Concepts
Formless (Nirguna Brahman)
Manifest (Saguna Brahman)
Creation
Cosmic Pillar
Shiva-Shakti Union
Brahman
Purusha and Prakriti
Yin and Yang (comparable duality)
Axis Mundi
Non-duality (Advaita)