Serpent Guarding the Linga

To give tangible shape to the idea of Shiva is not easy. He is after all, Maheshvara, the greatest embodiment of godhead, the cosmic spirit. Most people prefer to worship a symbol, one that fills the mind with awe and gives shape in the unconscious to the fabulous idea behind the image.

Shiva's symbol, the linga, is perhaps the simplest conceivable. According to the Matsya Purana, Shiva's linga is the divine phallus, the source of the soul-seed which contains within it, the essence of the entire cosmos. In this batik work, the artist depicts the cosmic space in blue. Within that space stands a circular lotus with flaming red leaves. Within that lotus is a coiled serpent with vicious fangs standing guard over the linga. The linga itself is an ordinary stone that rises from the fertile earth, reaching out to touch the radiant sky. The serpent represents the coiled energy of Kundalini, the power that enables seeds to germinate and animals to conceive. The serpent is also said to be Ananta Sesha, the great serpent of eternity, on whose coils rests the universe.

The space, the lotus and the linga are depicted in their natural colours but the artist thought of experimenting with new colours in representing the serpent. Despite the ferocity of its eyes and fangs, it looks rather timid due to the unusual colour scheme.

This description by Kiranjyot.