Figure

In Dr. Laya Mainali's sculptures Shivalinga is the recurrent image that encompasses the whole universe. The works represent the belief that the whole universe is within the Shivalinga. According to Hindu mythology, it is the united form of prakriti and purusa or female and male principles. In the union of prakriti and purusa or Shakti and Shiva, all the constituents of the universe become one. The duality between the self and the other does not exist. This is visually depicted through the penetrated disk (yoni) by the Shivalinga (phallus). The individual sadhaka realizes this non-duality through sadhana or meditation. He finds the whole cosmos within himself.