Ek Mukhi Linga (One faced Linga)

 

Ek Mukhi Linga (One faced Linga)



Gupta Dynasty,3rd Century AD.,National Museum, New Delhi

           Vedic people were perhaps not idol worshippers. The spoke of God in abstract terms. He was 'nirguna' (one without specific attributes). For, God is an amalgamation of opposites.  It was only after India went through the Buddhist phase, that Hinduism re - emerged with 'saguna' Gods.  The Gods were given specific attributes and were seen in human form.  

           This sculpture depicts Lord Shiva both in his abstract form as a 'linga'--a phallic symbol, and as a human face. Thus, it combines both the nirguna and the saguna aspects of God. Here Lord Shiva is shown as one faced. But a Shiva Linga can also be multifaced. The Shiva Linga is a symbol of the creative, and generative energy of Nature: the most powerful energy in the cosmos