Ardhanarishvara: Introduction Ardhanarishvara

Introduction Ardhanarishvara, the composite form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Shakti), symbolizes the ultimate unity of masculine and feminine energies. Derived from the Sanskrit words Ardha (half), Nari (woman), and Ishvara (God), Ardhanarishvara represents the inseparability and balance of opposites, making it one of the most profound concepts in Hinduism. Read More About Deities And Gods The form embodies the cosmic principle that creation is a fusion of complementary forces. Beyond ... Ardhanarishvara is an androgynous form of Lord Shiva, the composite of Shiva and Parvati, the half-male and half-female fused from the center. As seen in many temples across the Indian continent and Southeast Asia, the right half represents the male (Shiva) and the left half female (Parvati). Ardhanārīśvara is a hybridized deity form of Śiva and Śakti and is thus popularly depicted as half-male and half-female. A compound of ardha (अर्ध), meaning “half,” nārī (नारी), meaning “woman,” and īśvara (ईश्वर), meaning “lord,” the name literally means “Lord who is half woman.” Ardhanarishvara, composite male-female figure of the Hindu god Shiva together with his consort Parvati. As seen in many Indian and Southeast Asian sculptures, the right (male) half of the figure is adorned with the traditional ornaments of Shiva.