Nepal: A four-faced Shivalingam sits atop a yoni (symbol of the Hindu Goddess Shakti or Devi), Kathmandu (2008)

The lingam, or linga, meaning 'mark' or 'sign', represents the penis and is an aniconic representation of the Hindu deity Shiva used for worship in temples. Although most Hindu sculpted images (murtis) are anthropomorphic, the aniconic Shiva linga is an important exception. The lingam is often represented with the Yoni, the aniconic symbol of the goddess.

Yoni (literally 'vagina' or 'womb') is the symbol of the goddess Shakti or Devi in Hinduism. Within Shaivism, the sect dedicated to the god Shiva, the yoni symbolizes his consort.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Rainer Krack

Credit:

Pictures From History