Ardhanareshwar Gold Leafed Art with Wooden Frame

Ardhanarishwar is a Rare expression  of the deities Shiva and Parvati, depicted as a single entity that is half-male and half-female. The name "Ardhanarishwar" comes from three Sanskrit words: "Ardha" meaning half, "Nari" meaning woman, and "Ishwara" meaning lord or god. This form symbolizes the unity of masculine and feminine energies, representing the concept of duality in the universe and the balance of opposites.

In most depictions, the right half of the figure is male, representing Shiva, and the left half is female, representing Parvati. The male side typically shows traditional attributes of Shiva, such as a trident, serpent, or crescent moon, while the female side reflects Parvati's adornments like jewelry, flowers, and a graceful pose.

Ardhanarishwar conveys several profound spiritual messages, such as the interdependence of genders, the equilibrium of nature, and the idea that both masculine and feminine principles are essential and complementary and they exist within us.