| The altar's focal point on Sivaratri is the lingam, Lord Siva represented as a simple rounded stone. |
| In the shrine of Lord Chandramouleeswarar, the tutelary deity of the Marathas, the priests intone the mantras as the lingam is bathed in milk, sandalwood paste and water. |
| Peering over the railings, the Venkatramans jostled to catch a glimpse of the earthen lingam at the shadowy heart of the sanctuary. |
| This lingam diminishes gradually as the moon wanes and increases as the moon grows. |
| The deity was a lingam, the abstract phallic symbol which is the most common representation of Shiva. |
| Noticing this, the husband found a lingam, into which the rishi had been transformed. |
