Linga-Yoni
/ˈlɪŋ.ɡə ˈjoʊ.ni/noun
A Hindu symbolic pairing of the liṅga, associated with Shiva, and the yoni, associated with Shakti, representing generative and cosmic unity.
Did you know?In Hindu traditions, the liṅga-yoni is commonly understood as a unified symbol of creation, with the yoni’s basin often representing the generative source through which sacred water flows.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*yug-
“To join, yoke, or unite; a proposed deep root associated with Sanskrit yoni and related joining vocabulary.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅga
“A sign, mark, characteristic, or distinguishing emblem; later, the emblem of Shiva and a phallic symbol.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
yoni
“Womb, uterus, vulva, source, origin, or place of birth.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅga-yoni
“The pairing of the liṅga and yoni as complementary generative symbols.”
Medieval Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅga-yoni
“A ritual and theological image associated with Shiva-Shakti unity and cosmic generation.”
Modern English
English
linga-yoni
“A transliterated term for the paired Hindu symbol of the liṅga and yoni.”