The Shiva Lingam

The Shiva Lingam is a stone that is found in many aspects of Hindu belief and folklore. A symbol of the god Shiva, the stone itself is sometimes simply called the Lingam. It’s shaped a bit like an elongated egg, but it also has a good deal of phallic symbolism attached to it. Because of its shape, it is connected with both the male and female aspects of life creation. In some of the metaphysical disciplines, the Shiva Lingam is tied to all of the different Chakras, and can be used in healing and energy work.

In particular, it is associated with sexual fertility and potency – men who are suffering from impotence can carry this stone in their pocket and, according to folklore, find themselves restored to full sexual ability. Because it is connected with all of the Chakras, the Shiva Lingam can be used for whole-self healing, and to balance the entire body, not just the sexual aspects.

About.com Hinduism Expert Subhamoy Das says,

“The Linga is like an egg, and represents the ‘Brahmanda’ or the cosmic egg. Linga signifies that the creation is effected by the union of ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Purusha,’ the male and the female powers of Nature. Linga also signifies ‘Satya,’ ‘Jnana’ and ‘Ananta’ – Truth, knowledge and Infinity.”

Hindus believe that the Shiva Lingam is one of the most sacred stones in the world, and that’s partly because of the way it is obtained. It is a stone found only in the Narmada River, which is part of the Mardhata mountain range – one of seven sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Because it is a river stone, the Shiva Lingam can only be gathered during the dry season. Local residents gather the stones, in every size possible, and polish them for resale to the rest of the world. It is believed that the markings on each stone represent the markings on the forehead of Lord Shiva.

These beautiful stones range in size from less than half an inch in length to several feet long. Each one is unique, and symbolizes divine creation and the sacred balance of the soul. It is said that every stone contains a microscopic form of the universe itself.

Carry a Shiva Lingam for general healing and well being, as well as for power and energy. A Shiva Lingam stone can be used in meditation exercises to help bring balance and harmony.