Mask of Vaikuntha Vishnu, late 5th century. Learn more about 5th century masks
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An abstract representation of the Hindu deity Shiva, it is the primary image worshipped in the shrines of Shiva temples. It is often depicted within a lipped, disc-like structure known as the yoni, an aniconic representation of the goddess Shakti. Together, the two constitute the masculine and feminine principles of the universe. In Sanskrit, lingam can mean “mark,” “sign,” “emblem” or “evidence.”