Lingam
Lingam or Linga is the Sanskrit word for penis. As well as being used literally, the term is used for a symbolic representation of the male sexual organ, associated with the worship of the Hindu god Shiva. A stone lingam is a naturally occurring ovular stone, also associated with Hinduism. The term is not used in the Vedas but used frequently in the Mahabharata.
See also yoni.
References
- Schumacher, Stephan and Woerner, Gert The encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and religion, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Hinduism Shambala, Boston, (1994) ISBN 0-87773-980-3
