In Hinduism, the linga or lingam (Sanskrit for "symbol") is the symbol of the god Shiva and the form in which he is most commonly worshipped. The phallic symbol is the main object of worship in Shaivite temples and homes throughout India and the world. The linga is a simple stylized phallus that nearly always rests on pedestal of a stylized yoni, or female sex organ. Together, the linga and yoni represent the power of creative energy and fertility. In the primary religious ritual of devotees of Shiva, the linga is honored with offerings of flowers, milk, pure water, fruit, leaves and rice. In Egypt this stone is the Benben, in Greece it is the Omphalos, in Rome it is the Baetyl and in Hinduism it is the Shiva lingahe Omphalos.The Egyptian myth had Atum standing on the Benben during his act of creation. Shiva's fiery linga which broke up from the nether world is the axis mundi and is the first linga from which Shiva emerged. The concept of the axis mundi is world wide and an explanation of its various meanings and symbols can be found at: http://en.allexperts.com/e/a/ax/axis_mundi.htm. The concept of the baetyl predates Shiva and can be found in the Indus Valley civilization
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