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Ardhanarishvara

$295.50
$394
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM646
Wood Carving From South India
Height: 17.8 inch
Width: 2 inch
Depth: 8.6 inch
Weight 1.95 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 30 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Divine Unity

This exquisite wood carving from South India presents Ardhanarishvara, a powerful and symbolic representation of the divine union of Shiva and Parvati. This unique deity embodies the fusion of masculine and feminine energies, a fundamental principle in Hindu philosophy that signifies creation, wholeness, and the harmonious balance of opposites. The deity's form, split vertically down the middle, vividly portrays this duality. The right half embodies Shiva, the Destroyer and Transformer, exuding strength and asceticism. The left half represents Parvati, the Goddess of love, fertility, and power, radiating grace and maternal energy.

Craftsmanship and Iconography

The artisan's skill is evident in the intricate details of this wooden sculpture. The flowing garments, elaborate jewelry, and the serene yet powerful expressions on both halves of the face showcase mastery over the medium. Shiva's side is often depicted with a tiger skin, a third eye, and a trident, while Parvati's side is adorned with finer silks, anklets, and a more feminine headdress. The presence of Nandi, Shiva's bull mount, on one side and potentially a lion or other feminine symbol on the other, further emphasizes the dual nature. This particular carving, with its rich, deep finish, brings out the textures and forms, making it a captivating piece of devotional art and a testament to the enduring legacy of South Indian wood carving traditions. The inclusion of the cows on either side, representing fertility and sustenance, adds another layer of symbolic meaning to the divine couple's cosmic role.

Mythological Significance and Cultural Resonance

The concept of Ardhanarishvara is rooted in ancient Vedic traditions and scriptures like the Puranas. It is believed that Brahma, seeking to create the world, found himself unable to do so. He realized that creation required both male and female energies. Therefore, Vishnu requested Shiva to manifest himself as Ardhanarishvara, thus providing the creative impulse. This form symbolizes that without the feminine principle (Shakti), the masculine principle (Shiva) is inert, and vice versa. It illustrates that all existence arises from the union of these two fundamental energies. In a broader cultural context, Ardhanarishvara represents the ideal of partnership and the acknowledgment of the equal importance of both masculine and feminine qualities within oneself and in the world. This deity serves as a reminder that true power and completeness come from integrating all aspects of our being, embracing both strength and compassion, logic and intuition. Displaying such an artifact can invoke a sense of balance, harmony, and the profound interconnectedness of all things.
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