Ardhanarishvara
अर्धनारीश्वर
Ardhanarishvara is the **composite and androgynous form of Shiva and Parvati**, representing the **inseparability of the masculine and feminine principles**. It is a cosmic form where **Shiva's consciousness (Purusha)** and **Parvati's energy (Prakriti)** merge as one, illustrating that **duality is illusion** and all creation emerges from their union.
To reveal the philosophical truth that **divine unity contains duality**, and to **embody the equilibrium of opposites** — male and female, stillness and motion, logic and emotion, destruction and creation. Ardhanarishvara teaches that completeness requires the embrace of both energies.
Appearance: A singular body divided vertically into two halves — the right half is Shiva (male) with matted locks, tiger skin, trident; the left half is Parvati (female) with graceful attire, adorned in jewelry and flowers. The unity is seamless yet distinct in visual form.
Symbols
Weapons
Mount
Nandi (right side) and Lion (left side) or none in abstract depictions
Associated Elements
Ardhanarishvara symbolizes the **Advaita Vedanta** truth of **non-duality**. It teaches that all binary opposites — male/female, body/soul, matter/spirit — are unified in the divine. It’s also foundational to **Tantra**, where Shiva and Shakti are never separate but two sides of the same cosmic reality.
- Divine unity lies beyond gender and form.
- True creation arises from inner balance.
- Masculine and feminine are not opposites but complements.
- Embracing both reason and emotion leads to wholeness.
Parvati
The left half of Ardhanarishvara — represents Shakti, the active creative force.
Shiva
The right half — represents stillness, consciousness, and witnessing.
Kartikeya & Ganesha
Their parents manifest as one in this form.
Ardhanarishvara Temple
Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu
One of the most prominent shrines dedicated to Ardhanarishvara; the deity is worshipped as a symbol of divine synthesis.
Ardhanarishvara Shrine – Khajuraho
Madhya Pradesh
Features intricate carvings of Ardhanarishvara in ancient erotic and cosmic contexts.
Avinashi Temple
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
A shrine where Ardhanarishvara is enshrined as the ruling deity of balanced household and ascetic life.