Mukhalinga, Mailar

Mukhalinga, literally means 'linga with a face'. The linga (or lingam) is an abstract representation of the Hindu god Shiva, seen as a symbol of energy. The mukha, is a covering used to give a face or iconic form to the abstract Shiva Lingam. Worshippers believed that the face would allow them to to both see and be seen by Lord Shiva.

This old mukha linga is for Mailar, a form of Lord Shiva as portayed in Mylara, a small town in the Bellary district of central Karnataka, India.