An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s10.3
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s10.3
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v1.c17.s10.3
Definite evidence for the worship of the phallic symbol can be seen on the Ujjain coins of about the 2nd century B.C.; they bear a realistic representation of a *linga* within a railing placed between two trees. The 1·5 m high stone *linga* from GUDIMALLAM of about the 1st century B.C. has a realistic representation of the phallus and an image of Śiva carved on the front side. *Mukha-linga* having one or more faces of Śiva carved on the phallus are seen at numerous sites from the 2nd century A.D. The early realistic *lingas* gradually gave place to conventionalized *lingas* from about the 4th century.