The Lingam (also, Linga, Ling, Shiva linga, Shiv ling, Sanskrit लिङ्गं , meaning mark or sign) is a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva used for worship in Hindu temple. The lingam is the principal deity in most Shiva temples in South India. The lingam is often represented with the Yoni, a symbol of the goddess or of Shakti, female creative energy. The union of lingam and yoni represents the indivisible two-in-oneness of male and female, the passive space and active time from which all life originates. A complementary theory suggests that the Lingam represents the beginning and ending Stambha pillar symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.