Indian amulet box from Karnataka 04.04.1868
A lingam , sometimes referred to as linga or Shiva linga, is an abstract or aniconic representation of the Hindu deity Shiva. Lingam caskets are used as containers for movable lingam ( jangama lingam), the main cult objects worshipped by Lingayats. The Lingayats, or Lingavant, are a religious community whose cult honours Shiva, they are predominant in the Karnataka region of southern India.