Origin of Shivlingam (According to Shiva Purana)

Spoke by NandiKeshwara (Soota) : Once, in the early beginning of the creation creator Brahma, the lord with five faces sitting atop a lotus approached to Lord VIshnu, the most handsome lord who was then sleeping on his serpent-bed of Adishesha. His wide Laxmi was beside him. Brahma had grown an ego for being the creator of the universe. He considered himself to be the Holy father of all. As Vishnu did not rise up to receive him, he took it as an affront to him. Brahma called out to him to wake up to show due honour to the father of the creation. so much so that Brahma addressed vishnu as “son” Vishnu lost his temper as Brahma had come into existence on the lotus top that had sprouted out of his navel. Thus, vishnu thought he infact, was the father of Brahmaa, who had no right to admonish him. After all he was the sustainer of the creation. However vishnu used restraint and smiled. But the words spoken by him were sarcastic. He asked why the son had came to his father and disturned his sleep? Then he began to drag about his power, greatness and divine qualities. Brahma retaliated by citing his own virtues and craftsmanship. Soon the two were engaged in heated exchange of unsavoury words. Their altercation took ugly.