Further reading: Harish Johari, Leela: The Game of Self-
knowledge (Rochester, Vt.: Destiny Books, 1993).
lingam
The lingam or SHIVA LINGAM is a phallic-shaped
icon that is a primary object of Shiva worship.
The lingam always stands on a round base,
which is representative of the YONI or vagina of
the GODDESS.
The origin story for this cult object is well
known. Shiva in his guise as a mad ascetic,
naked, smeared with human ashes, and dishev-
eled, appeared in the Pine Forest (deodar for-
est) where sages had retired with their wives to
meditate. Mischievous and powerful, he began
to brandish his erect penis before the women.
Because of his divine power, the women were
enthralled. However, the rishis were appalled
and cursed the god so that he would lose his
penis.
Instead of falling, Shiva’s penis took off at
lightning speed and fearsome energy and began
rocketing around the universe causing endless
destruction. The frightened rishis went to the
gods to see how they could save the universe
from destruction. The gods called upon the devi
or goddess to offer her yoni as a safe place for the
Shiva lingam to rest; thus it is that every Shiva
lingam rests on a representation of the vagina of
the goddess.Main symbols of Lord Shiva: lingam and trident, in Gujarat (Constance A. Jones)K 260 lingam