Key fact Since humans cannot understand Brahman completely, Hindus find it helpful to think of God as formless (nirguna) in some ways but having form (saguna) in other ways.

Another way in which Brahman can be understood is Saguna Brahman. Saguna Brahman, is the idea that Brahman has form and can be understood through images. These images are manifestations of God.

The lingam is often described as a cosmic pillar of light, symbolizing Shiva’s boundless and formless nature ( nirguna brahman ). The Shiva Purana elaborates on this by narrating the tale of ...