Linga with Face of Shiva (Ekamukhalinga)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This rare metal linga is addorsed with the figure of Shiva, who displays a rosary (aksamala) and citron fruit (vijapuraka), representing the seed of the universe. Shiva is routinely described as the “seedgiver,” the supreme progenitor. Stylistically, this sculpture is closely related to the Karttikeya (L.1994.21.3).

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art