The ‘Shiva lingam’, also called ‘Brahmanda egg’ or ‘world egg’, is the abstract symbol of the Hindu god, Shiva. This god, also called the ‘destroyer’, represents becoming and decaying in the eternal cycle of nature in the Hindu religion. The abstract symbol for the god, Shiva, is his ‘lingam’, an egg-shaped, polished stone placed in a vertical position at the centre of every Shiva temple in India. It is regularly washed and decorated by priests and worshipped by believers. In its clear form, the ‘lingam’ symbolises ‘male tranquillity’, whilst the signs in contrasting colours on the surface of the stone can be interpreted as ‘female disquiet’. ‘Masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ are thus joined in the ‘lingam’, forming a unit.
Indian popular belief regards the erect form of the ‘lingam’ as the symbol of the god’s phallus, while the colourful inclusions can be interpreted as its female counterpart.
The present ‘Shiva lingam’ consists of grey-brown polished stone and shows two areas with red inclusions, in the upper section as well as on the side. A very beautiful object in perfect condition. No damage.
First half of the 20th century; H: 23 cm; W: 13 cm.

Provenance: Collection of Prof. Rudolf Leopold, Vienna.

additional picture:
A Brahman (priest) at the ritual washing of a Shiva lingam in an Indian Shiva temple.