The Sanskrit term Mṛṇmayaliṅga can be transliterated into English as Mrnmayalinga or Mrinmayalinga, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Śaivism

Mṛṇmayaliṅga (मृण्मयलिङ्ग) refers to a liṅga made of earth (mṛṇmaya). It is classified under the calaliṅgas (moveable liṅgas). The term is used thoughout Śaiva literature.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Google Books: Elements of Hindu iconography

The mṛṇmaya-liṅgas (मृण्मयलिङ्ग) may be of baked or unbaked clay. For making an unbaked clay liṅga it is stated in the Kāmikāgama that white clay, gathered from pure places, such as the tops of hills and banks of rivers, should be mixed with milk, curds, ghee, as also the flours of wheat and barley, the barks of milky trees, powdered sandal paste, mercury, etc., and the whole mass is then well mixed up and kneaded and kept for a fortnight or, at the most, a month. The liṅga is then shaped according to the instructions given in the Āgamas for that purpose. The baked clay liṅga is used for ābhicārika purposes; that is, for incantations such as those made to bring about the destruction of an enemy.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Mṛṇmayaliṅga (मृण्मयलिङ्ग) or Mṛlliṅga refers to a “liṅga made of earth”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.12, where the Devas and Viṣṇu requested Viśvakarman for liṅgas for the achievement of the desires of all people:—“[...] at our bidding Viśvakarmā made liṅgas and gave them to the devas according to their status. [...] Great Brahmins and their wives chose liṅgas of earth (Mṛṇmayaliṅga). Maya took a liṅga of sandalwood and Śeṣa nāga took a coral-made liṅga. [...] Thus different kinds of liṅgas were given to them by Viśvakarmā which the devas and the celestial sages worship regularly. After giving the devas the various liṅgas from a desire for their benefit, Viṣṇu explained the mode of worship of Śiva to me, Brahmā”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Mrinmaya, Linga.

Query error!

Full-text: Mrinmaya, Mrillinga.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Mrinmayalinga, Mrnmayalinga, Mṛṇmaya-liṅga, Mṛṇmayaliṅga, Mrinmaya-linga, Mrnmaya-linga, Mṛnmayaliṅga, Mṛnmaya-liṅga; (plurals include: Mrinmayalingas, Mrnmayalingas, liṅgas, Mṛṇmayaliṅgas, lingas, Mṛnmayaliṅgas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Prayogamanjari and Saivagamanibandhana (Study) (by R. Suthashi)

Different materials used in making the Linga < [Chapter 3 - Shaiva iconography in Saivagamanibandhana]

show preview