About this piece
A Shiva lingam in dark Narmada river stone. Narmadeshwar lingams are traditionally taken from the Narmada river, and the stone is smooth and dark. The photos show the rounded lingam rising from a carved base with a spout for run off.
The piece is 14.5 cm (5.7 in) tall, 15.5 cm (6.2 in) wide and weighs 1.7 kg. It is sized for a home altar rather than a large temple shrine.
How it is used
Many homes keep a Shiva lingam on a small altar and offer water, milk or bilva leaves over it with a short prayer. The spout on the base lets the offering drain into a tray.
Looking after it
- Wipe with a soft dry cloth after an offering.
- Dry the base so water does not sit in the groove.
