A specific linga, or
symbolic representation of the deity Shiva.
It is dated to the second century B.C.E.and is likely the earliest Hindu picture still in existence.
It is called after the hamlet of Gudimallam, which is
located in the south-eastern part of the state of Andhra Pradesh, close to the
Tamil Nadu border.
Despite its antiquity, the linga is still revered and
worshipped in its original temple.
The linga itself is a five-foot polished stone pilar with a
four-foot-high Shiva sculpture on the front side.
The sculptural piece is very intricate and has some
unexpected characteristics.
Shiva's hair, rather of being matted, is weaved into a
turban-like form.
Shiva has just two arms, as opposed to the several arms
shown in subsequent paintings.
He is holding a ram rather than a deer, which is the only
sculpture in which a ram occurs.
Finally, there is no holy thread (yajnopavit) on Shiva's
form, which became popular later.
The linga is especially famous for the intricate
craftsmanship at the pillar's top, which is designed to resemble the head of an
erect penis.
This is also different from subsequent iconography, in which
the linga's top is usually smoothed down.
The object's shape is unmistakably phallic, despite the fact that linga worship should be taken symbolically as a honor to the force underlying the world.
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