What is "lingodbhava"

Lingodbhava ("emergence of the Linga") is an iconic representation of Hindu god Shiva, commonly seen in the South Indian Hindu temples. The icon depicts the legend of the origin of the linga, Shiva's aniconic representation that is often in his worship. The tale of Lingobhava is found in various puranas, augments the synthesis of the old cults of pillar and phallic worship. The earliest literary evidence of the iconic representation is found in the 7th century works of Shaiva saints Appar and Thirugnana Sambandar.