shivling
|shiv-ling|
/ˈʃɪv.lɪŋ/
aniconic stone-symbol of Shiva
Etymology
'shivling' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'śivaliṅga', where 'Śiva' meant 'the auspicious one' (the deity Shiva) and 'liṅga' meant 'mark' or 'sign'.
'shivling' changed from the Sanskrit compound 'śiva-liṅga' (śiva + liṅga), passed through Middle Indic/Prakrit and regional Indic languages (e.g. Hindi 'shivling' / 'shivalinga'), and was adopted into English as 'shivling' (and variant 'shivalinga').
Initially it meant 'the mark or sign of Śiva' in Sanskrit; over time the term continued to denote the aniconic emblem or stone representing Shiva in religious practice, with its ritual significance remaining central.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an aniconic representation of the Hindu god Shiva, typically a cylindrical or oval stone or symbol (also called a lingam), worshiped as a sacred emblem.
The villagers gathered at the temple to perform rituals before the ancient shivling.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a sacred object or emblem used in worship and rituals associated with Shiva; can refer to the stone itself or the symbolic mark representing the deity.
Priests anointed the shivling with water and offerings during the festival.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/18 09:00