Linga Purana

[1][3] The author(s) and date of the Linga Purana are unknown, and estimates place the original text to have been composed between the 5th-10th century CE.

[5] The text presents cosmology, mythology, seasons, festivals, geography, a tour guide for pilgrimage (Tirtha), a manual for the design and consecration of the Linga and Nandi, stotras, the importance of these icons, a description of Yoga with claims of its various benefits.

[1][2][6] The estimated composition dates for the oldest core of Linga Purana vary among scholars, ranging from the 5th-century CE to the 10th-century.

[11] The Linga Purana states, "Shiva is signless, without color, taste, smell, that is beyond word or touch, without quality, motionless and changeless".

[1][5] They discuss diverse range of topics, and illustrative sections include: Ethics in Linga Purana Giving help to everyone, showing kindness to all, is called the highest worship of the Lord of eight forms.

[12] Lingam is presented by the text as an abstract concept, the formless reality, contrasted with Alinga (Vyakta), along with its phallic significance with the sexual truth in nature's process of life creation in the universe.

A page from a Linga Purana manuscript (Sanskrit, Devanagari)
The Linga Purana discusses the idea of Ardhanarishvara (above), asserting that the goddess is the mother of the universe and she is the avatar of the god. God and goddess, linga and yoni , are co-creators of the universe, both centers of power and divine splendor, states the text. [ 10 ]