Shiva Lingam Stone
In the Hindu religion, Shiva, meaning “The Auspicious One”, is regarded as one of the primary forms of God. The Shiva Lingam stone is sacred stone in the Hindu culture. The stones are collected at the banks of the Narmada River in Onkar, Mandhata, one of India’s seven sacred holy sites.
Lingams are considered representations of the Lord Shiva, and in the Tantric tradition the shape of the stones embody pure masculine energy, dynamic expression and knowledge. The markings on the stones represent the feminine energy, or the yoni, which signifies wisdom and intuition.
Once a year, after the long dry season and just before the beginning of the monsoon season, the villagers collect the stones from the riverbed. The stones are then shaped and hand polished to bring out the natural markings of the yoni. The lingams are handled in a manner to respect the ancient Vedic tradition, and are thus highly blessed.
Although demand for the stones is high, the Indian government is constructing a dam on the Narmada River to help provide a stable water supply. The dam will result in the stones being under deep water, making them extremely difficult to harvest.
Lingams are considered representations of the Lord Shiva, and in the Tantric tradition the shape of the stones embody pure masculine energy, dynamic expression and knowledge. The markings on the stones represent the feminine energy, or the yoni, which signifies wisdom and intuition.
Once a year, after the long dry season and just before the beginning of the monsoon season, the villagers collect the stones from the riverbed. The stones are then shaped and hand polished to bring out the natural markings of the yoni. The lingams are handled in a manner to respect the ancient Vedic tradition, and are thus highly blessed.
Although demand for the stones is high, the Indian government is constructing a dam on the Narmada River to help provide a stable water supply. The dam will result in the stones being under deep water, making them extremely difficult to harvest.
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The stone in my collection is approximately 3-1/4" in length and about 1-1/2" in diameter.
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