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Shiva Lingam stones come only from the Narmada River (an inlet of the Ganges) in The Central Western part of India, and traditionally are used to worship the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. The dark yoni markings are considered to represent the feminine, and the shape to represent the masculine; together symbolizing a perfect balance. Each stone is unique. The Shiva Lingam stones were pertrayed in the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom as possessing sacred, magical, mystical qualities. The antiquity of the Shiva Lingam is uncertain. There are some who claim that certain remains found within the Indus Valley civilization are Shiva Lingams. This claim, however, is disputed and is far from being a universally accepted. In addition, there is no mention in the Rig Veda or any of the other Shruti Vedic texts of the Shiva Lingam. There are, however, many references to the Shiva Lingam throughout the later Hindu texts, and so it is uncertain at what point the Shiva Lingam became popular within Hinduism. Virtually all temples and Hindu homes have a Shiva Lingam. The stones are compised of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various impurities. The shape is cut and polished following collection, during the dry season. (source: various) Photos by Michael Marcotte Return to List Back to Michael's Hobbies page Back to Michael Marcotte's HomePage