Indian Silver Miniature Shivalingam (Ekamukhalinga)

This elegant, miniature  Shivalingam with a lingam and yoni base where the lingam is in the form of Shiva’s head is made entirely from high-grade silver. (Most such examples are cast from bronze.)

A lingam decorated with the face of Shiva is known as an Ekamukhalinga. Shivalingams cast with a Shiva face a relatively rare.

Shiva’s face is depicted with a moustache, and a ribbed turban over his head.

The yoni platform is beautifully sculptured. It has a baluster-form stem, and a flared base.

Lingams are used in worship in temples and smaller shrines, including household shrines. It is likely that this small silver Shivalingam was for use in the household shrine of a well-to-do family.

The lingam is seen as a symbol of the energy and potential of Shiva himself.

The lingam is often represented rising from the yoni as is the case here. The yoni is the female symbol, the form of which is based on the female genitalia.

The physical union of a lingam with a yoni represents the indivisible two-in-oneness of male and female. Neither representations have any overt sexual meaning however. Indeed, the two are more symbols of power, fertility and prosperity than anything that is sexually charged. Puja worship of a shivalingam typically involves pouring water, milk and ghee offerings over the lingam and the yoni acts as the catchment receptacle and the conduit from which these sacred offerings can be collected and distributed to those in attendance.

The example here is a fine example of personal religious sculpture. The purity of the silver used befits a Hindu sacred item.