Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s1.3

v2.c16.s1.3

The *chala-lingas* are divided into *mṛṇmaya* (those made of earth), *lōhaja* (of metals), *ratnaja* (of precious stones), *dāruja* (of wood), *śailaja* (of stone) and *kṣaṇika lingas*, (those made for the occasion and disposed of immediately their use is over). The *mṛṇmaya lingas* may be of baked or unbaked clay. For making an unbaked clay *liṅga* it is stated in the *Kāmikāgama* that white clay, gathered from pure places, such as the tops of hills and banks of rivers, should be mixed with milk, curds, ghee, as also the flours of wheat and barley, the barks of milky trees, powdered sandal paste, mercury, etc., and the whole mass is then well mixed up and kneaded and kept for a fortnight or, at the most, a month. The *liṅga* is then shaped according to the instructions given in the *Āgamas* for that purpose. The baked clay *liṅga* is used for *ābhichārika* purposes; that is, for incantations such as those made to bring about the destruction of an enemy.