Buddhist Antiques, Asian and Indian Artifacts, Stone Lingham

(Cambodian), 12th-13th century Shiva Lingham

Lingam Stone, Khmer

In Hindu iconography the lingam, or shiva-lingam, represents Shiva, the Absolute Godhead. The sanskrit term “linga” means, among other things, a sign, symbol, or mark, as well as phallus. The ritual worship of stones, clay images, or even piles of sand or earth in the shape of a lingam is very ancient in India, originating as far back as the Indus Valley civilization. Such images are often set in or accompanied by another symbol representing the Yoni, or feminine organ, representing the divine Shakti, or Great Mother. Where the yoni represents the feminine, creative force of god, the lingam represents the all-pervading, formless, male aspect of god.