Large Indian Gold Hooded Cobra Shivalingam Pendant

This large pendant comprises thick sheet gold over a lac core, and is decorated with red and green glass pendant drops. The pendant is in the form of a large protective five-headed cobra which rears over a shivalingam motif. Possibly, the pendant was used as temple jewellery to adorn a deity. The gold tests to at least 22 carats.

The pendant is curved like a cobra’s hood and the reverse is chased with scale motifs.

Gold wire loops are fitted to each side to allow suspension.

The five heads of the cobra or serpent sometimes are said to represent earth, water, fire, air, and ether or space.

The shivalingam motif comprises a lingam and a yoni. The form of the lingam is based on the male genitalia and is an abstract representation of the Hindu deity, Shiva. Lingams are used in worship in temples and smaller shrines, including household shrines. The lingam is seen as a symbol of the energy and potential of Shiva himself.

The lingam is often represented rising from the yoni, 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.

Here, the motif is purely symbolic.

The pendant is large, stable and wearable. It is in fine condition. The gold weight content is high though it is not possible to be precise about the proportion of the total weight that is gold.