ARDHANARISHVARA TANTRIC SCULPTURES & IDOLS

Shiva is traditionally considered as the epitome of masculinity; however, in his Ardhanarishvara form, you observe that one part of him is a properly developed woman.   Parvati was drawn to Shiva because he was in an euphoric state.

They were married after Parvati stepped out of her way to woo him and sought out all kinds of help. Naturally, Shiva wanted to talk about his experiences when they were married. "I want to feel this condition that you are in, within yourself,"

Parvati replied. “What ought I to do? Enlighten me. I am ready to perform any form of austerity. No major austerity is required of you, Shiva answered with a smile. Come sit on my lap, please.” Parvati approached and sat on his left lap without giving him any resistance. He just drew her in and she transformed into half of him since she was so responsive and had truly given herself over to him.

He would be forced to give up a portion of himself in order to accommodate her into his physique. He also included her while sacrificing half of himself. The narrative of Ardhanarishvara was developed here.

In effect, you're attempting to show that you're equally divided between both the masculine and the feminine. He was ecstatic when he accepted her. The notion is that you are in a state of constant ecstasy if your internal masculine and feminine unite. 

According to a version, the sage Bhringi failed to circumambulate and kneel before Parvati since he had vowed to serve only one god. Shiva was urged by Parvati to merge with her in single form in an attempt to compel him to do so.

However, the sage transformed into a beetle, cut a path through the androgyne's middle, and then proceeded to circle solely the male side. Bhringi was originally cursed by Parvati to just be a skeleton, but after their reunion, she showered a boon on him.

Another well-liked interpretation for the Shaivite rendition of this figure posits that the deity Brahma produced male beings and told them to go forth and create others, but they failed to do so. Brahma was aware of his mistake and began to create females when Shiva stood before him in an androgynous guise.

Most scholars agree that the subject's metaphorical meaning is to symbolize the confluence of the masculine and feminine elements. A descendant of Ardhanarishvara is portrayed as being "of the identical size and kind as a man and woman tightly embracing" in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.

He divided himself in two, and a wife and a husband were born as a consequence. The balanced nature of the masculine and feminine is emphasized in the legend of Ardhanarishvara, which glorifies gender equality. We celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at Mahashivratri. This is the night that Shiva and Parvati supposedly got married, according to legend.

Another legend recounts Parvati's anger when she sees Ganga seated upon Shiva's head. Shiva tries to settle Parvati down by placing her on his lap, but she does not appear to be feeling any better. At this moment, Shiva unites with the Goddess as Ardhanarishvara.

The Shiva Purana says that Brahma, the originator of all male beings, was once forced to cope with a severe downturn in the pace of creation. Brahma was concerned and rushed to Shiva for help.

Brahma pleaded to the female half of Shiva, who had manifested as Ardhanarishvara, to assist him in creating females so that the process of creation may continue. The goddess then accelerated the creation process by generating various female capabilities using her own body.

FAQS

Q1. What is the symbolism behind Ardhanarishwara?

The universe's active, dynamic force is Prakriti; Purusha has been its passive equivalent. To build and maintain the universe, these two factors must join and accept each other.

Q2. Where can you worship Ardhanarishwara?

Some Shiva shrines in South-east Asia and India include Ardhanarishvara, a well-known form of Shiva. Or, you can get your own statue from us.