Indian Hindu Holy Symbol: "Shiva Lingam"

This Indian Hindu stone, called a "lingam," Sanskrit for “sign,” or “distinguishing symbol”, is symbolizes the god Shiva and is revered as an emblem of generative power.

According to Hinduism, creation follows destruction. Therefore, although Shiva is the god of destruction, the god is also regarded as a reproductive power, which restores what has been dissolved. The lingam symbolizes Shiva’s supreme creative energy and the god’s force of regeneration.

A lingam is phallus-shaped, a smooth cylindrical mass typically made of stone. The lingam appears in Shaivite temples and in private shrines throughout India. In Shaivite temples the lingam is often at the center, surrounded by sacred images of deities.

Among the most important lingams are those which are believed to have come into existence by themselves at the beginning of time; nearly 70 are venerated in various parts of India. Veneration of the lingam is performed with offerings of milk, water, fresh flowers, young sprouts of grass, fruit, leaves, and sun-dried rice.

Hinduism is the oldest living religion, about 4,000 – 5,000 years old. Hindu people believe that Brahman is the creator, preserver and transformer of existence. Gods that are part of Brahman include Vishnu, the preserver god, and Shiva, the god of destruction. Hinduism came from India. No one person founded the religion. There are many Hindu holy books. Hindus honor their deities through worship. Hindus tell stories of the ways that the gods interact with each other and with humans. Hindus believe in rebirth after death (reincarnation); their goal is to escape the movement of the soul into another body and to become one with Brahman.

Source:
"lingam." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online Academic Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2013. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. .
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