Ardhanarishvara: Meaning, Symbolism and Interpretations
Ardhanareeswara – God who is half man half woman! Even as a young girl, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued and puzzled by this unique representation of God. Growing up in a Hindu household, I was exposed to a myriad of deities, each with their own fascinating stories and symbolism. But there was one particular deity that captured my attention like no other – Ardhanarishvara, the mesmerizing fusion of the divine masculine and feminine energies.
Grand moms and parents did answer but much of the meaning became clear after I was many years in to adulthood.
Brief overview of Ardhanarishvara as a Hindu deity
Ardhanarishvara, a name derived from Sanskrit, translates to the God who is half woman. It is an embodiment of the union between Lord Shiva and Parvati – Shiva, the masculine cosmic force, and Shiva’s consort, Lord Parvati, the feminine divine energy. The image of Ardha nareeswara presents a stunning amalgamation of two distinct halves, where the right side exudes a powerful male essence, while the left side emanates an enchanting feminine grace.
In this extraordinary form, Ardhanarishvara encapsulates a profound philosophical concept that transcends the conventional boundaries of gender. Ardhanareeshwara form symbolizes the eternal interdependence and harmonious coexistence of opposites, reflecting the underlying unity of the universe. This depiction of God as both male and female challenged my young mind to explore the depths of its meaning and symbolism.
To me, Ardhanarishvara represents more than just a deity; it represents a profound understanding of the human experience. It signifies the inseparability of masculine and feminine energies within each of us, transcending the limitations of societal norms and binary classifications.
As I delved deeper into the mythology and symbolism surrounding Ardhanari deity, I discovered how this deity has captivated the hearts and minds of devotees and scholars alike for centuries. Its iconography, with its intricate details and exquisite balance, has inspired countless artists, poets, and philosophers to explore the profound mysteries of life, love, and existence.
In this blog, I aim to unravel the layers of meaning and interpretations that surround Ardhanari Ishwara.
Ardhanarishvara statue in bronze and copper
Significance of Ardhanari Deity in Hindu Philosophy
Ardhanarishvara holds a significant place in Hindu philosophy, embodying profound concepts that are central to the understanding of the cosmos, gender dynamics, and the ultimate reality. It represents Parvati and Shiva as one. Here are some highlights I could gather:
- Union of Masculine and Feminine Energies: Ardhanari Ishwar symbolizes the inseparable union of God Shiva and Devi Parvati, representing the masculine and feminine energies respectively. That is Half Shiva half Parvati. True harmony and balance can only be achieved when both aspects are recognized and honored.
- Wholeness and Completeness: Ardhanarishvara represents the concept of wholeness and completeness within the divine and human realms. The deity’s half-male, half-female form serves as a visual reminder that both genders are essential and integral to the divine cosmic order.
- Equality and Respect: Ardhanarishvara concept challenges traditional gender roles and norms, offering a powerful statement on equality and respect between the sexes. By depicting the divine in a gender-fluid form, it conveys the message that no gender is superior or inferior to the other.
- Balancing Opposing Forces: Ardhanarishvara, half Shiva half Parvati, serves as a symbolic representation of the reconciliation and harmonization of opposing forces or dualities. It embodies the reconciliation of Purusha (the male principle associated with consciousness) and Prakriti (the female principle associated with the material world).
- Non-Dualism and Oneness: Ardhanarishvara’s depiction embodies the philosophical concept of Advaita, the non-dual nature of reality. It signifies that behind the apparent duality lies an underlying unity or oneness.
- Spiritual Evolution: Ardhanarishvara is also associated with the idea of spiritual evolution and self-realization. The deity represents the path of integrating and transcending dualities within oneself, leading to the union with the divine.
Picture taken at Gangaikondacholapuram, near Kumbakonam.
Who created Ardhanarishvara
How soon the roles of life change! My daughters were now asking me the significance of this form of God. I shared with them a story of who created Ardhanarishwara.
The origin of Ardhanarishvara can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts. There are different accounts and stories associated with its origin and Shiva and Parvati as one. Here I will relate on story taken from Tamil temple lore. It narrates that
Once the gods and sages had gathered at Shiva’s abode, they prayed their respects to Shiva and Parvati. However, the sage Bhringi had vowed to worship only one deity, Shiva, and ignored Parvati while worshipping and circumambulating him.
This agitated Parvati. She cursed Bhringi to lose all his flesh and blood, reducing him to a skeleton. In this form Bhringi could not stand erect, so the compassionate ones who witnessed the scene blessed the sage with a third leg for support.
As her attempt to humiliate the sage had failed, Parvati punished herself with austerities. She observed the kedhara maha vrata austerity, which is now known as deepavali.
Pleased with her austerity, Lord Shiva granted her the boon of being part of His form. So the God now appeared male on the right side and female on the left side and hence became Ardhanarishvara, thereby compelling Bhringi to worship her as well as himself in the form of Ardhanarishvara.
However, the sage assumed the form of a beetle and circumambulating only the male half, drilling a hole in the deity. Amazed by his devotion, Parvati reconciled with the sage and blessed him. The seventh-century Shaiva Nayanar saint Appar mentions that after marrying Parvati, Shiva incorporated her into half of his body
Rishi Bhringi (sage)
Iconography and Depictions
Hindus consider this form of God as the harmonious male-female essence divinity, the ineffable genderless neuter nature of of God beyond human distinctions.
The Rigvedic assertion is explicitly defined: the male is only so much male as much he is female and vice versa the female is only as much female as much she is male. The maleness and femaleness are the attributes contained in one frame. God is conceptually beyond sex, but often referred to as He/She. The more appropriate reference would be ‘It’.
Description of the physical representation of Ardhanarishvara
During my recent Temple tour of Tamil Nadu I came across sculpted images depicting various forms of this unique form of Ardhanarishwara.
Ardhanarishvara, half man half woman, is usually depicted standing in a graceful posture, with the right half of the body representing Lord Shiva and the left half representing Lord Parvati.
The right side, symbolizing Shiva masculine, is adorned with attributes typically associated with him, such as matted hair piled atop the head, adorned with a crescent moon, and adorned with serpents. Shiva’s right eye is depicted as intense and alert, radiating wisdom and tranquility. The form is more masculine, the hand in abhaya mudra, imparting fearlessness.
On the left side, representing Parvati, cascading hair flows freely, adorned with flowers and jewels. The form is more curvaceous, with all parts rounded, the hand holding a blue lotus, symbolizing purity and beauty. The left eye is depicted with a gentle and compassionate expression, representing the nurturing and caring aspects of the feminine divine energy.
The upper torso of Ardhanarishvara is often adorned with jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. The clothing worn by Ardhanarishvara varies, with the right side typically draped in the attire associated with God Shiva, such as a tiger skin or a loincloth, while the left side wears a flowing, ornate sari.
In some depictions, Ardhanarishvara is depicted with multiple arms, each hand holding symbolic objects associated with Shiva and Parvati. These objects can include a trident, representing Shiva’s power, and a mirror, symbolizing beauty and self-reflection.
Some had just two arms, some with three and some with even eight. In the ones with 3 arms, the male part had 2 arms and the female part had just 1 arm, conveying a subtle message male has double the physical strength of female.
The physical representation of Ardhanarishvara is a testament to the artistic skill and imagination of the sculptors and artists who bring this divine form to life.
See another elaborately chilled statue of Ardhanarishwara here –> in Badami Caves
Picture taken at Breehadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur.
Explanation of the term Ardhanarishvara and its translation
Ardhanarishvara: the name is a combination of three words Ardha + Nari + Ishwara. The words translate to: half + woman + lord respectively. When combined, the meaning of Ardhanarishwara is: God whose half is woman.
This is representation of God Shiva, the male part and his consort Parvati or Shakti, the woman part in a composite, androgynous form, symbolizing the unity of masculine and feminine energies.
In many Hindu scriptures God is described as a concept beyond the concept of any sex. So God can be male, female, and even neuter too. Hence god existing in this intrinsic condition is referred as Ardhanarishvara.
Complex definition right?
Celebration of Ardhanarishwara in festivals and rituals
The celebration of Ardhanarishvara takes place in various festivals and rituals across different regions of India.
- Ardhanarishvara Vrat, observed on the 13th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna. Devotees fast chant Ardhanarishvara mantra and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Ardhanarishvara, praying for harmony, balance, and the integration of masculine and feminine energies in their lives.
- Mahashivaratri, the Great Night of God Shiva, where Ardhanarishvara is revered as an embodiment of Shiva’s power and Parvati’s grace.
- Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrating the Goddess Durga, includes a special focus on the aspect of Ardhanarishvara.
During these festivals, devotees create elaborate displays and sculptures of Ardhanarishvara, adorned with flowers, garlands, and vibrant decorations. Special prayers, hymns, and mantras are recited, invoking the blessings and grace of Ardhanarishvara.
Influence of Ardhanareeswara on Indian classical dance, music, and theatre
Ardhanarishvara’s captivating form and profound symbolism have had a significant influence on various forms of Indian classical dance, music, and theater.
- In Indian classical dance, Ardhanarishvara’s representation of the divine union of masculine and feminine energies inspires choreographers and dancers to explore the interplay of contrasting movements and expressions.
- In Indian classical music, compositions and ragas are composed to evoke the essence of unity and balance.
- Additionally, in theater, Ardhanarishvara’s portrayal has been depicted through plays and dramas, showcasing the intricate dynamics of gender, identity, and spiritual realization.
The presence of Ardhanarishvara in these art forms enriches the cultural landscape, providing a platform for artists to express and delve into the profound themes of duality, harmony, and transcendence.
Relevance of Ardhanarishvara in contemporary society
Ardhanarishvara, with its profound symbolism and message of unity, holds great relevance in contemporary society. In a world where gender equality, inclusivity, and understanding are pressing issues, the representation of Ardhanareeswara serves as a guiding light, inviting us to transcend limiting societal constructs and embrace the inherent duality within ourselves and others.
As I reflect on the relevance of Ardhanareeswara in my own life, I can’t help but recall a personal experience that made me appreciate its significance even more. It was during a heated debate on gender roles and stereotypes that I found myself advocating for the concept of Ardhanarishvara.
I shared how Ardhanarishvara’s portrayal challenges the binary notions of gender, emphasizing the fluidity and interdependence of masculine and feminine energies. It prompted a shift in perspective among those engaged in the discussion. We began to question the rigid expectations imposed on individuals based on their gender, and instead, focused on the shared qualities and strengths that transcend traditional boundaries.
In contemporary society, Ardhanarishvara teaches us to embrace diversity and foster an environment of respect and equality. It encourages us to recognize and celebrate the multifaceted nature of human identity, acknowledging that each person embodies a unique blend of masculine and feminine qualities, irrespective of their biological sex.
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The Shoundik Community people of Western
Odisha worship Ardhanareeswar as their Kula Deivatam and name Suvarnagrahee. I
have not found mention of this term in any scripture and mythology. Could anyone relate Suvarvarnagrahee’ for Ardhanareeswar with appropriate citation
in any literary sources. Please be gracious.
Seshadeba Behera, Boudh ,Odisha
17th June, 2024
I will try Mr Seshadeba Behera. Will update when I gather information on this.
Thanks for your visit and query.
Very interesting post. Ardhanarishvar is a very deep concept as you have rightly said. At a philosophical level it represents purusha and prakriti together – that is, pure consciousness as well as the Active Principle.
Purusha is the knower and Prakriti is the object to be known – since one cannot exist without the other, Ardhanarishvara represents all aspects of knowledge spanning the knower to the known and all in between.
Loved the post and Rakesh’s comment too 🙂 I too found the real meaning behind it when I saw an episode of Devo Ke Dev Mahadev 🙂
Thanks for the beautiful pics, the story and the idea. Sometime I’ll do a post on the concept of Ardhanarishwara 🙂
Very interesting post with great pictures 🙂
Very fascinating…!
An Interesting piece of information. Great post Indrani x
@Rakesh..beautiful reply..
@Indrani..this is a beautiful post..
A very beautiful post! Ardhanarishwar has indeed been an enigma. We Hindus have always understood and worshipped the Divine Female as the originator of life. Even biologically a foetus is female till the 5th month after being conceived. After the 5th month it’s sexually demarcated. We all have both male and female features in us the testeterone or the male hormone is present in females and estrogen in males, making everyone an Ardhanarishwar!
It was a very introspective post!
Interesting post!!! Loved the idol!!
very interesting and for me at a right time,..just the other day i saw gulal and in this movie, one person was painted like ardhnaareeshwar.and I was wondering about it.
Very interesting post Ardhanarishwara, half male and half female. Thank you for explaining the god's origin.
great capture…it seems that u have done a good research also..
See the difference between the two temples though built by the same kingdom. One is so stiff and the other so in Tribanga curve.. Wow… Our ancestors were so great indeed…
Great. The various forms of ardhanarishwara are very interesting.
I like this story.
We are all one 🙂
This is fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing this and the photos.
I have seen this god and always wondered what it meant.
Thanks for the photos and the info… this subject has fascinated me much… the genderless God or the concept of gender equality which was the core of Indian culture.. it was lost somewhere or maybe among a few and needs to be restored…
God is great – and the greatness can be shared!
yes, it is intriguing especially the first image.
What a fascinating post and great shots of the wonderful sculpture. I like the idea of god as man and woman (if god is given human representational form).
That's really interesting I had already read about the two sex god. I think it's a good thing at least he/she has equal rights !
Thanks for your explanation of this interesting God. I especially like the first figurine.
Very beautiful art forms, indeed. Even Nataraja is one of the amazing forms of Shiva, aint it? Beautiful is an artists creativity.
very interesting story, this is definitely a priceless treasure for the next generation.
Oh, I love that! It makes perfect sense that a divine being is both male and female.
The first statue is so graceful and elegant. I love the two metals.
RnPB: Ch 013 – Clean Up
Very cool pictures, I love looking at statues like these for the details.
very interesting
the pics are beautiful!!! looks like u had a really great tanjore trip… i havent yet been to gangaikondacholapuram…..
and speaking of ardhanareeshwara, you should go to the temple at Thiruchengodu near Karur where the main deity is ardhanareeshwara….
well written as usual….saw my first sculpture of Ardhnarishvara in mahabalipuram…rest u hv shown..thank you
Wonderful sculptures. Whatever be the form they are carved very beautifully.
Fascinating and beautiful sculptures. Enjoyed learning about this Deity that is beyond gender.
What a wonderful story. I am thinking how relevant the story is now–very. Oh to be like this god!
so interesting!
Another fascinating and informative post, Indrani! I loved reading this and your photos are terrific! Always feel I've learned so much from your posts! Thanks for contributing! Have a wonderful week1
Sylvia
That is an interesting post, thank you.
Indrani, here's wishing you and your folks a very happy Holi.
I have never seen this god before this post. Thanks for sharing a very interesting topic.
LOL
Looks really GREAT 50/50
different but unique 😉
🙂
Interesting to read Indrani
and nice photo's !!!
Very interesting.
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