Lingodbhava
/ˌlɪŋɡoʊdˈbʌvə/noun
A Shaivite image or manifestation of Shiva emerging from an infinite pillar of light.
Did you know?In the legend, Brahma and Vishnu argue over supremacy until Shiva appears as an infinite fiery pillar, and neither god can find its top or bottom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰuH-
“To be, become, or come into existence; the ancestral root behind Sanskrit bhū.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅga
“A mark, sign, distinguishing symbol; also the characteristic emblem of Shiva.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
ud-bhū
“To arise, emerge, or come forth; literally, to rise up from.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
liṅgodbhava
“The emergence or manifestation of the linga, especially Shiva appearing from an infinite pillar of light.”
Medieval South Asia
Tamil/Sanskrit
Liṅgōdbhava
“A major Shaivite temple iconographic form showing Shiva emerging from a cosmic column, often flanked by Brahma and Vishnu.”
Modern English
English
Lingodbhava
“The name used in English for this Shiva manifestation and its associated temple imagery.”