The Story Of Ardhanarishvara

The story of Ardhanarishvara is the representation of Shiva & his consort Parvati, combined as a single entity, showing how male and female are inseparable.

Ardhanarishvara Imagery

Ardhanarishvara, as a composite of Shiva and Parvati is usually shown as a single entity, split down the middle, with the right half being Shiva and the left half being Parvati. The combined deity dates back to ancient times and is even referenced in the Puranas.

Ardhanarishvara represents the synergy of male and female energies.

It illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from (or the same as, according to some interpretations) Shiva, the male principle of God. The union of these principles is exalted as the root and womb of all creation.

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