Development of Hinduism

17. SAIVISM
was no idea, however, of identifying the deity with the stone, as is shown by the fact that a
number of stones, or trees, sacred to a divinity might stand together. Where specially chosen or
prepared sacred stones took the place of natural landmarks, they expressed an invitation to the
deity to take up his abode in them (comp. Hos. xiii. 2). Among the Greeks the sacred pillars of
stone were developed into images of the deity, and received a head and a phallus; but the
Israelitish maẓẓebot, did not pass through this evolution.
Caption: Phenician Maẓẓebah.
Source: (From Benziger, "Hebräische
Archäologie
Caption: Cromlech
Source: (From Benzinger, "Hebräische
Archäologie.")
. Compare this with the indus linga structure
Harappan linga form
Some people believe that artifacts from Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and other archaeological sites
of northwestern India and Pakistan indicate that some early form of Shiva worship was practiced
in the Indus Valley. These artifacts include lingams and the "Pashupati seal" that has been the
subject of much study. The Indus Valley civilization reached its peak around 2300-2000 BCE,
when trade links with Mesopotamia are known to have existed, was in decline by 1800 BCE, and
faded away by 1500 BCE.
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