what is a shiv ling
Traditional flower offering to a lingam in Varanasi. The lingam (also linga, ling, Shiva linga, Shiv ling, Sanskrit: à¤²à¤¿à¤à¥à¤à¤, liá¹gaá¹, meaning mark, sign, or inference) is a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva used for worship in temples.In traditional Indian society, the linga is rather seen as a symbol of the energy and potential of God, Shiva himself.The lingam is often represented alongside the yoni (Sanskrit word, literally origin or source or womb), a symbol of the goddess or of Shakti, female creative energy.he Hindu scripture, Shiva Purana, describes the origin of the lingam, known as Shiva-linga, as the beginning-less and endless cosmic pillar (Stambha) of fire, the cause of all causes. Lord Shiva is pictured as emerging from the Lingam â the cosmic pillar of fire â proving his superiority over gods Brahma and Vishnu.