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Siva Lingams worshipped in temples are mostly made of stone & consists of
three parts. The lowest portion in the shape of a square symbolises Brahma (the God of
Creation).
The middle part in the shape of an octagon symbolises Vishnu (the God of
Maintenance). These two portions are embedded inside a pedestal. The cylindrical portion
projecting from the pedestal symbolises Shiva (the God of Destruction). Siva resides high up on snowy mountain ranges. Image of Siva in his physical form
presents him as a soothing meditative figure. His ornaments are not gold & precious
stones.
He wears a necklace made of skulls signifying his role as destructor. He has snakes
coiling all over his body & his hair is matted and long extending over the whole sky
& space. The crescent moon adorns his crown, signifying his control on the time
cycle.(Amavasay & Pournami). He smears his body with ashes & wears a tiger skin
and elephant skin. He has a third eye on his forehead which is the source of knowledge
& wisdom. The holy Ganges is imprisoned in his flowing locks. In his two arms he holds
the Trisulam (the three prongs representing the three gunas of sattva, tamas & rajas)
in one & Damaru in the other. His vahana is the Nandi, who is also his chief disciple
to whom Siva passed on all his immense knowledge in arts.
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