Shivalingam with Nandi

This is a beautiful Deccan Shiva lingam, with a small Nandi, and snake (naga) seated on a square plinth. Nandi is sitting on a protruding shelf facing the lingam. Over the lingam is a large protective hood of a cobra (snake) with the tail coiled around the lingam. Some engraving of snake scales on the coil and hood remain though there is wearing from use. On either side of the hood are also engraved S shapes, which depict the natural markings of the cobra. The snake’s tongue protrudes from its mouth as if it is hissing for protection, and above the head is a lotus bud finial. The hood itself separates from the base for portability and ease of cleaning. Engraved around the top of the plinth are repeating toranam motifs.
A lingam, sometimes referred to as linga or Shiva linga, is an abstract or aniconic representation of the deity Shiva. Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Nandi is the gate-guardian deity of Kailasa, the home of Lord Shiva.