A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.973

c5.973

LINGA, LINGAM. The male organ. The phallus. The symbol under which Siva is universally worshipped. It is of comparatively modern introduction and is unknown to the Vedas, but it receives distinct notice in the Mahā-bhārata. “The emblem—a plain column of stone, or sometimes a cone of plastic mud—suggests no offensive ideas. The people call it Siva or Mahā-deva, and there’s an end.” In the Siva Purāna, and in the Nandi Upa-purāna, Siva is made to say, “I am omnipresent, but I am especially in twelve forms and places.” These are the twelve great Lingas, which are as follow :—