Ardhanarishvara

Origin

अर्ध (ardha) - half + नर (nara) - man + ईश्वर (ishvara) - lord; Lord whose half is a man.

Description

Ardhanarishvara is a composite male-female figure of the Hindu god Shiva and his consort Parvati. In sculptures from Indian and Southeast Asian traditions, the right half represents Shiva with traditional ornaments, while the left half depicts Parvati. Symbolically, the figure signifies the inseparability of male and female principles. Various legends explain its origin, including one from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, describing the first creature as an androgynous being that later split into a husband and wife. Another legend involves the sage Bhringi and a request from Parvati to unite with Shiva in one form.

Learn About Related Gods

Go on a spiritual adventure to understand these connected deities

Vishnu

Vishnu | Hindu deity

Hanuman

Hanuman | Hindu Monkey God, Ramayana Character

Trimurti

Trimurti | Definition, Meaning, & Facts

Shiva

Shiva | Definition, Forms, God, Symbols, Meaning, & Facts

Mitra

Mitra | Vedic Deity, Solar Deity, Protector

Nataraja

Nataraja | Shiva, Cosmic Dance & Symbolism

View All

Discover Sacred Temples

Embark on a Spiritual Journey Through Related Temples

New Police Line Prachin Shiv Mandir

Arrah, Bihar

Ramdevpir temple

Kawa, Gujarat

Jai Ma Bala Sunderi Temple

Bir, Himachal Pradesh

shiv madir

Baddi, Himachal Pradesh

Rameshwar Maharaj Ji Mandir

Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

Shiv Temple

Ponkh, Rajasthan

View All

Dive into Harmonious Tunes

Explore related bhajans with lyrics, videos and music

Haar Gya Hu Baba Ab To Aake Tham Re

Haar Gaya Hoon Baba,Ab to Aake Thaam Re,Sun Sanware Haare Ka Sahara,Tera Naam Re ॥Dardi Ke Tune Baba,Dard Mitaye,Dukhde

Maiya Ke Charno Me Jhukta Hai Sansar

Maiya Ke Charno Me,Jhukta Hai Sansar,Teeno Lok Main Hoti,Maa Teri Jay Jaykar ॥Sukh Mein To Maiya Tujhase, Dur Raha Mein,

Shri Ram Janki Baithe Hain Mere Seene Me Bhajan

Shri Ram Navami, Vijaya Dashami, Sundarkand, Ramacharitmanas Katha Aur Akhand Ramayan Ke Paath Mein Pramukhta Se Gaye Ja

Aana Ho Shri Ganesha Mere Bhi Ghar Mein Aana

Aana Ho Shri Ganesha,Mere Bhi Ghar Mein Aana,Hey Gauri Sut Gajanan,Hey Gauri Sut Gajanan,Mujhko Na Bhul Jana,Aana Ho Shr

Radhakrishn Prana Mora Yugal Kishor

Radhakrishn Pran Mor Yugal-kishor ।Jivne Marne Gati Aar Nahi Mor ॥Kalinder Kule Keli-kadamber Van ।Ratan Vedeer Upar Bas

Mata Kalratri Ki Aarti

The Kalratri form of Maa Durga is worshiped on the seventh day of Navratri, the lyrics of this very important aarti of M

View All