Ardhanäriswara
The concept of Ardhanäriswara is unique in Hindu religion. It represents the Lord as the abhinna-nimitta-upädäna-kärana of this manifest jagat. The left side represented by Sakti/Pärvati/Devi is the Prakrti, the upädäna-kärana – the material cause of the jagat. The right side represented by Siva is the nimitta-kärana – intelligent cause of the jagat.
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Ardhanäriswara, Stone
Khajuraho, Chandella, 11th century |
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Ardhanäriswara, Stone
Däraäuram, Tamil Nadu
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In Advaita Vedänta, mäyä is not an independent or parallel entity. She is ‘brahmäsrayä mäyä’. Hence, the female form is shown integrated into the male form.
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Ardhanäriswara, Chola Bronze,
11th century, Govt. Museum, Chennai |
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Ardhanäriswara, Bronze,
Vijayanagara, 16th century,
National Museum, New Delhi |
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Ardhanäriswara
Calendar Art |
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There are Puränic stories/explanation of this form. However, my understanding is as above.
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