South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses c9.s2.7

c9.s2.7

Lingas, whether self-born or artificial are equally venerated, the latter being associated as regards their origin with the Sun, Moon, the Lords of the quarters or ancient sages of bygone millenniums. The linga is generally fixed in a circular or quadrangular receptacle on a high monolithic pedestal known as yōni, pānivattam or āvadaiyār.