A window in Amsterdam
Segmented lingam - Cambodia
One of the most common objects of Hindu worship, whether in temples or in the household cult, is the lingam.
Often much stylized and representing the cosmic pillar, it emanates its all-producing energy to the four quarters of the universe. It's also the symbol of male creative energy when combined with its female counterpart yoni.
The shape of this segmented lingam represents the basic trimurti or trinity of the Hindu gods Brahma (the square base), Vishnu (the octagonal section) and Shiva (the phallus part). Shiva being the top of the lingam indicates this lingam belongs to the Shiva cult or Saivism, symbolizing Shiva’s creative energy and worshipped as the Supreme Being.
This lingam originally rested in a yoni made of the same material, a base like structure representing the female womb. The totality symbolises the unification of the male and female principle and the creation of life.
Height 23 cm. probably 19th century, Cambodia, Cham people.
Segmented lingam - Cambodia
One of the most common objects of Hindu worship, whether in temples or in the household cult, is the lingam.
Often much stylized and representing the cosmic pillar, it emanates its all-producing energy to the four quarters of the universe. It's also the symbol of male creative energy when combined with its female counterpart yoni.
The shape of this segmented lingam represents the basic trimurti or trinity of the Hindu gods Brahma (the square base), Vishnu (the octagonal section) and Shiva (the phallus part). Shiva being the top of the lingam indicates this lingam belongs to the Shiva cult or Saivism, symbolizing Shiva’s creative energy and worshipped as the Supreme Being.
This lingam originally rested in a yoni made of the same material, a base like structure representing the female womb. The totality symbolises the unification of the male and female principle and the creation of life.
Height 23 cm. probably 19th century, Cambodia, Cham people.