Ek Mukha Shiva Linga (One Faced Shiva Linga)

Ek Mukha Shiva Linga (One Faced Shiva Linga)

Pre-Kushan Period, 1st Century AD, Bharatpur Museum

           Worship of an erect phallus was common in ancient civilisations. India was no exception.  To the ancient mind, the phallus represented the creative power of the universe. It  creates life. It was seen as a form of energy which pervades the universe and brings forth life. Romans had dedicated temples to it; they would even display images of the phallus  in public squares. 

            In ancient India initially the phallus was depicted almost realistically as in this piece. Later it was transformed into the parabolic shape that we see today as the Shiva Ling.  In its traditional form the Shiva Ling represents the union of the phallus with the Vagina-- the very process which begets life. 

           Since procreation is essential for the survival of life, it is not only a natural urge,  but is also critical for our very existence. The Divine force is merely a form of energy which keeps the universe alive and throbbing. 

         Those who do not understand the symbolism behind the Shiva Ling, they miss the philosophical concept and are aghast at such "crude" images. Look behind the image, and you will see the higher reality.