Shivalingam

Worship of the Almighty in Hinduism ranges from God without form(arupa) and God with a form(rupa). The Rupa manifests in the whole pantheon of Hindu gods, starting with Ganesha. The third which can be considered both as form and formless (rupaarupa) is the Shivalingam. The word lingam in Sanskrit means symbol. The dome above the moolasthaanam called Vimaanam is the Sthula lingam. The balipeedam in front of the deity is the Badra lingam. The Shivalingam as presiding deity is the Sukshma lingam symbolising Lord Shiva.