Ardhanarishvara (Shiva and Parvati)

$485
Item Code: EM54
Specifications:
Brass Statue
Height: 17.5 inch
Width: 7.5 inch
Depth: 5.5 inch
Weight: 8.40 kg
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
According to ancient Indian belief, the Supreme Being is one complete sex, possessing within itself both the male and female principles. Such a deity is said to be Ardhanarishvara, a Sanskrit term meaning "Lord Whose Half is female," embodying the qualities of both genders.

Shiva is often represented as Ardhanarishvara, where his form is fused halfway into the body of his spouse Parvati. This is exemplified in the present sculpture where the bisexual image is divided vertically, the right-hand half, which is male, being that of Shiva proper, and the left side having female anatomy, that of Parvati.

Corresponding to the ideal of Shiva, the right half is clad in a tiger-skin loin cloth, and Parvati on the left is draped in a sari. She also has a breast, covered in a bodice as also an elaborate nose-ring. The jewelry of the two halves including necklaces, bracelets, and armlets, are different from each other. At Shiva's side can be seen his mount, Nandi the bull, and near Parvati is her lion.

An original understanding of the Ardhanarishvara concept was expressed by Kalidasa, the Sanskrit poet believed to have lived in the 5th century AD. At the head of his poem 'Raghuvamsha,' he addressed a verse to Shiva and Parvati, comparing the literary fusion of meaning (artha, masculine) and the speech which utters it (vach, feminine) to their harmonious union in which, although as inextricably conjoined as a word is with its sense, the couple yet retained their individual importance.

In the mundane world all men and women reflect the duality expressed in the concept of Ardhanarishvara. Every man and woman contains within himself or herself both male and female principles. A man is a man only because of the excess in him of the principle of masculinity, and a woman is a woman because of the predominance of the principle of femininity. It is believed that this maleness and femaleness generally remain in conflict within the individual and can to some extent be made to harmonize with the opposite sex during sexual intercourse when the couple, symbolizing Shiva and Parvati, realize the Absolute.

Indeed, while emphasizing the essential non duality of the supreme principle, this image is remarkable for the precision with which it distinguishes the male and female elements of the deity while harmoniously fusing them into a single form.


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Exploring the Symbolism and Significance of Parvati in Hinduism

Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is one of the principal deities of Goddesses in Hinduism. She appeared in the material world as the daughter of Himavan, king of the Himalayan mountains. The Vedic scriptures describe her as a young, beautiful woman who is chaste and faithful to her husband, Lord Shiva. She is always engaged in the loving service of her family; her two sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Goddess Parvati is the embodiment of devotion, love, power, and beauty. The followers of the Shakta tradition (Shaktism) describe her as Adi Shakti or the energy behind the creation of material nature. She is very merciful toward all living entities like a mother who cares for her children and manifests many forms to protect them from miscreants. Her most venerated and important powerful forms are Durga and Kali that she took to vanquish demons who created havoc in the material world.

The Vedic scriptures talk of her beautiful form in detail. She wears a red saree and is generally seated, having two or four arms, beside Lord Shiva. Her younger son Ganesha sits on her knee, while Kartikeya sits or stands near Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is typically decorated with gold ornaments and a crown on her head and also carries a lotus flower in one of her hands.
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What does Parvati symbolize?

Goddess Parvati is gentle and loving toward everyone. She never fails to help and guide those who approach her out of helplessness. Just as a mother is always kind toward her children, Goddess Parvati, being mother nature, is forgiving to all living entities. But when the time comes, she assumes different terrible forms such as Durga and Kali to defeat demons in order to protect the material world. She took the form of Durga and killed the demon Mahishasura. Kali, the most ferocious form, slayed the demon Raktabija. Thus, Goddess Parvati not only symbolizes love, fertility, motherhood, and harmony, but is also the Goddess of power, energy, and destruction.
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Can we keep Shiv Parvati statue at home?

It is stated in Srimad Bhagavatam, the most glorious Vedic literature, that Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava (devotee of Lord Vishnu): vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ. In order to get the mercy of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, it is important for us to serve His pure devotees. Thus, worshiping Lord Shiva along with his consort Goddess Parvati at home is the way to the heart of Lord Vishnu. But you must also know the standards of worshiping them so that no offense is committed at their lotus feet. If Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are pleased with your devotional service, you will easily get the causeless mercy of Lord Vishnu and thus the ultimate goal of your life will be achieved.
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How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?


Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.

 

Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.

 

  • The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

 

 

  • To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.


  • In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth. 

 

Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
  • Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?
    A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) days of the delivery date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more please view our return policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
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