The Hindu Temple v1.c8.s4.27

v1.c8.s4.27

It is seen from the 'Viṣṇudharmottara' and other texts that the science of selecting and testing the stone is most developed where the stone has to be chosen for a Liṅga. Stone indeed is the aboriginal substance of the Liṅga. Gold and brick are the sacrificial substances of the Vedic altar. Gold, the purest of all substances is not considered in this respect, loses its value and is only given second consideration when a Liṅga is to be made. The 'Liṅgapurāṇa' (ch. XLVII. 5) speaks of a Liṅga made of gold and jewels, or of silver or copper, as alternatives