Ardhanarishvara - A Composite Deity of Shiva and Shakthi 19" Brass Statue

Material: Brass

Finish: Silver white, coral and turquoise inlay work

Dimensions: 19.0 inch Height x 8.0 inch Width x 6.0 inch Depth

Weight: 10.0 kg / 22.0 lbs

Shipping and delivery: 5 - 7 business days

Product description: Ardhanarishvara, one of the most popular iconographic forms of Shiva that symbolizes the male and female principles are inseparable. A composite deity that shows the male-female figure of the Hindu God Shiva together with his consort Parvati. The most popular stories associated with this form is about Sage Bhringi disrespecting Goddess Parvati by worshipping only Shiva. The Goddess took away the flesh and blood from Bhringi’s body making him weak, but Lord Shiva tried to protect the sage. As a result Parvathi took a penance asking Shiva to give one half of his body, and merge with him. The fusion of Shiva and Parvathi portrays the indispensability image of purusha (masculine, pure consciousness) and prakriti (feminine, principle of matter). The appearance of this form of Shiva as Ardhanarishvara made the Sage realize that although Shiva and Parvati appear as two different bodies, they are in essence one – the source of all creation. The ancient, famous Ardhanarishvara temple is located in Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.

The brass statue portrays Ardhanarishvara standing on a small rectangular mount with Shiva and Parvathi accompanied by their Vahanas at the sides, namely the Bull and the Lion. The statue depicts Ardhanarishvara with four hands showing the clear separation of Male and Female torso, with respect to Shiva on the right, and Parvathi on the left. Shiva stands placing his right foot forward and his rear hand holds a trident with a damaru attached to it. His front hand shows abhaya mudra, and he has a serpents tied around his neck, waist and leg. Parvathi (Shakthi) is seen standing in a graceful posture and has a well-developed bosom with a narrow waist, and a curvier body and hip with clothing draped representing the feminine part of the statue. Her rear hand holds a serpent, and her hand shows varada mudra. The brass statue is certainly admirable with the detailed iconic characteristics of Shiva and Parvathi; Ardhanarishvara is one of the beautiful manifestation of Lord Shiva and Parvathi with a profound inner meaning that explains the balance between the male and female energies, and that they are inseparable.

Product video