The primordial Liṅga is prehistoric in its global and proto-historic in its Indian religious setting. As prehistoric artifacts these seem to have commanded their own symbolism. It was identified with Śiva and was the symbol of worship in... more
The primordial Liṅga is prehistoric in its global and proto-historic in its Indian religious setting. As prehistoric artifacts these seem to have commanded their own symbolism. It was identified with Śiva and was the symbol of worship in Hindu temples all over South and Southeast Asia, maybe c. 500 BCE. Certain question hovering round the worship of the Liṅga such as why it is covered with a cloth and the regional variations of the theme in Tamil literary tradition are examined. However, the main focus is on the unreported bronzes in the Brahmapurīśvara temple at Perunakar (district Kāñcīpuram). These bronzes are related to the cult of the Liṅga; e.g. the bronze of Candraśekhara and the Liṅga juxtaposed. A unique collection of Nāyaṉmār bronzes are brought to light and most of these saints were dedicated to Liṅga worship. The vocabulary obtained from early Tamil literature helps to fix the Liṅga cult within the Hindu religious tradition. The bronzes were appealing to the society and served the needs of temples when gala festivals were celebrated. Besides, they served procession, Tamil ulā within the temple or village during nityapūjās and mahotsavas.
