Ardhanari Form / Ardhanareeswara
Ardhanarishvara Manifestation
Ardhanarishvara is a composite form of Shiva and Parvati fused into one body, half male and half female, depicting the inseparable nature of the divine masculine and feminine. It symbolizes cosmic balance and the synthesis of all dualities.
The Wish for Unity
As the cosmic dance of creation continued, Parvati desired complete unity with Shiva—not just in spirit, but in form. Moved by her deep devotion and love, Shiva granted her wish.
The Manifestation
Shiva manifested as Ardhanarishvara, with the right half of the body as male and the left as female. This awed the sages and devas, revealing that the source of creation is the perfect fusion of both energies.
This sacred form teaches that all life arises from balance and mutual respect. It transcends human gender roles and social norms, showing that both aspects—masculine and feminine—exist within every being. Recognizing and honoring both leads to inner harmony and spiritual wholeness.
Shiva
The right (male) half, representing consciousness (Purusha)
Parvati
The left (female) half, representing energy (Prakriti)
themes
Union of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature)Gender balance and harmonyNon-duality and cosmic integrationWholeness of existence through duality