Antique Shiva Lingam Casket

This Shiva lingam box (ayigalu or shivadhara) is a fine example of this type of round pot shaped casket. Dating from the early 20th century or earlier, it is hand cast from high-grade silver, generally worn by the upper mercantile class. It features wear marks commensurate with a piece this age. From Karnataka, India.

The Shiva lingam casket or container is generally worn as a necklace with a chain (sivadhara) passed through the openings and fastened within the rectangular boxes at the side of the egg form. In this way the upper part of the casket slides up and down the cord and cannot be lost or misplaced, important because the amulet is opened at least once each day. The Shiva casket contains the moveable lingam (jangama), the sacred lingam stone, symbolising Shiva himself as an emblem of generative power, and is used as a meditative device to allow the worshipper to concentrate on Shiva. These are worn by Lingayat laypeople worshipers (linga banajiga), distinguishable from other Hindus by the fact that the lingam casket is worn visible on the body. 

Measurements: Height 4.8 cm (1.85"), width 5 cm (2")

Reference: Traditional Jewelry of India, 1997. Oppi Untracht. Thames and Hudson. Pages 133 - 136.