I have heard three different accounts, all of them varying in their descriptions.
What is the true background and history of the Shiva Lingam?
Thank you.
2006-11-14 12:31:08 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Shiva Lingam is a symbol used to represent Shiva...mostly by the Lingayat sect of Saivism. It represents God (Shiva) in an unmanifested state....to remind the observer that while the entire universe is a manifestation of God, God also remains unmanifested, too. In some traditions the Lingam is placed in a base that is often called a Yoni. Here the symbolism is then merged as the unity of male and female (Shiva and Shakti). In Saivism and Shakta denominations God is both male and female and yet neither and this is strong emphasized (while other traditions in Hinduism acknowledge this there is less emphasis usually). Shiva is the unmanifest God and Shakti is God manifested. The unmanifest is masculine in nature and the manifested (the active component) is feminine in nature.
I'll admit that when I first learned about Hinduism that I was often confused about the Lingam, too. This is a great question and I hope I answered it well for you.
Peace be with you.
2006-11-14 22:40:33 · answer #1 · answered by gabriel_zachary 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good Question. Lingam in Sanskrit means Symbol. Why people mistake Lingam as Penis? Because for symbol of Manhood is Penis, hence Lingam of a Man is Penis. And this word "Lingam" is mistakenly taken as Lingam of Man(Penis)... Shiva Lingam means Symbol of God. It is not a pillar, but an abstract symbol which has no carvings, it can be anything. It is nearest possible representation of the Formless, because a lingam has no carvings, no definite form, it is just a blank stone or metal, it is between form and formless.
2016-03-28 05:54:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shiva Lingam is the form of lord Shiva worshipped by Hindus.
2006-11-14 12:52:12 · answer #3 · answered by prince47 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"shiva lingam is the holy symbol of Lord shiva that is considered quite sacred and worshipped with devotion by the devotees. The sanskrit word li.ngam means symbol, so shiva lingam means symbol of shiva. It is considered the foremost sacred symbol for shaivaites and has been worshiped for ages."
2006-11-14 12:36:15 · answer #4 · answered by love2travel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shiva is equal to >Allah< in our islum
2006-11-15 01:28:11 · answer #5 · answered by Mohomad Hafeez 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm hindu but i don't have a clue..sorry.......
2006-11-14 12:33:26 · answer #6 · answered by Kanika M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
god
2006-11-14 12:33:15 · answer #7 · answered by george p 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋