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Padmasana Ardhanarishvara

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Name: Padmasana Ardhanarishvara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEN730
Price: 1045.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$979.50

$1306

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The Ardhanarishvara figure is unique to the Hindu pantheon. It is a composite Shiva-Parvati deity, a confluence of the masculine and the feminine. In Sankhyadarshana, the root of Indian philosophy, the masculine stands for the energy principle (purusha) and the feminine for the matter principle (prakrti). A harmonious union of the two, in the form of Ardhanarishvara, stands for the entire matrix of srhsti (creative projection) as we know it (drshyam).

The marble-sculpted Ardhanarishvara that you see on this page is an exceptional composition. The deity is usually portrayed as standing, which often conveys the contrast between His tandava and Her lasya. This seated Ardhanrishvara depicts the coming together of the first yoga-guru, Lord Adinath, and the first yoga-shishya, Devi Parvati. Note the signature padmasana of their stance - upturned heels gathered in a straight line below the navel and the knees-and-hip trifecta resting on the ground.

Lord Adinath holds a trishool with a damroo attached to it and raises another hand in blessing. Devi Parvati rests one of Her fair hands on the knee and raises a lotus-bud in the other. From the coils of their twin bun emerges the fluid Devi Ganga over their ashen purple halo. In addition to the padmasana, these are the elements of the unusual iconography of this Ardhanarishvara.

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Specifications

	ZEN730
	White Marble Statue
	Height: 11.2 inch
	Width: 4.2 inch
	Depth: 8.5 inch
	Weight 6 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodying Divine Unity: The Ardhanarishvara Statue

This exquisite white marble statue captures the essence of Ardhanarishvara, a powerful and iconic form of Lord Shiva in union with Goddess Parvati. Ardhanarishvara, meaning "the Lord who is half woman," represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies, the primal unity from which creation arises. This divine embodiment symbolizes the interconnectedness of all existence, the balance between opposing forces, and the profound truth that the universe is a harmonious blend of the male and female principles.

The Form of Ardhanarishvara

The statue depicts Ardhanarishvara seated in the serene Padmasana, the lotus posture, a symbol of purity and spiritual enlightenment. The left half of the deity embodies Goddess Parvati, adorned with delicate jewelry, flowing hair, and often depicted holding a lotus or a mirror. The right half portrays Lord Shiva, with his characteristic third eye, serpent coiled around his neck, and a trident (Trishul) symbolizing his cosmic power. The gentle smile and tranquil expression on the face of this composite deity convey a profound sense of peace and cosmic harmony. The skillful carving and intricate detailing in white marble bring this divine form to life, radiating an aura of divinity and spiritual tranquility. The application of subtle, pleasing colors and gilded accents enhances the majestic presence of the deity.

Mythological Significance and Spiritual Resonance

The concept of Ardhanarishvara is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, stemming from a desire by the divine couple, Shiva and Parvati, to experience the universe from each other's perspective. It is also believed to have emerged from Brahma's request to Shiva to create progeny. In this form, Shiva realizes that without Parvati, he is incomplete and incapable of creation. This union signifies that both masculine and feminine aspects are essential for the universe's existence and continuation. This profound symbolism makes the Ardhanarishvara an embodiment of completeness, the union of opposites, and the ultimate reality that transcends duality. Owning or meditating upon this representation can inspire contemplation on the balance within oneself and the interconnectedness of all beings, fostering a sense of harmony and spiritual growth.

A Masterpiece of Artistry and Devotion

Crafted from fine white marble, this statue is a testament to the skill and artistry of the artisans. The smooth, cool surface of the marble, combined with the meticulous attention to detail, makes this piece a captivating work of art. The delicate carving of the divine features, the flowing drapery, and the symbolic attributes are all rendered with exquisite precision. The chosen marble lends a timeless elegance and purity to the sculpture, making it a cherished addition to any sacred space, meditation room, or as a centerpiece in your home decor. This statue serves not only as a decorative item but also as a constant reminder of the profound spiritual principles it represents, inviting peace, balance, and divine grace into your life.

How to clean and maintain marble statues?

Marble has been a preferred material for sculptors and artists for more than a thousand years. It is a rock that undergoes metamorphism which causes recrystallization of the original carbonate mineral grains. Marble comes in various colors, designs, and dimensions. Pure white marble is the most preferred type of marble for making sculptures and statues since time immemorial. White marble is especially used for sculpting stone monumental sculptures since ancient times. The natural shine and luster of the carbonate crystals of white marble give a lavish and beautiful appearance to the statue.

Marble stone statues are highly durable and can even withstand harsh weather conditions without getting corroded, therefore, they can be kept indoors or outdoors without getting damaged or weathered. Although these statues can last for many decades, their regular care and cleaning are essential to increase their longevity and beautiful appearance.

The simplest and basic way of cleaning a marble stone statue is to clear away dirt accumulated on the surface. Outdoor statues are especially prone to biological growth and dirt build-up that may take away their natural beauty. You may rinse the statue with warm water and mild soap to clean the dirt as much as possible. You can use a sponge or cotton cloth to scrape off dirt accumulated in crevices and cracks.

You must never allow water to stand on the surface of the statue for a long time. Standing water gets absorbed by the marble’s porous surface which results in its discoloration. Therefore, it is always recommended to dry-clean the statue with a towel or damp cloth.

Applying beeswax, a non-toxic product, on the surface of the marble statue offers protection against staining, dirt, and pollutants. It also polishes the surface and gives a natural shine to the statue.

Marble statues need periodical cleaning to maintain their flawless look. However, harsh and deep cleaning can result in making the statue look dull. If your marble statue is withering away, it is recommended to take the help of a professional cleaner. Marble is a delicate material and therefore needs proper care.

Marble Mastery Unveiled: The Artisan's Symphony in Sculpting Timeless Beauty

Marble is a soft and delicate metamorphic rock derived from limestone. It is composed mainly of recrystallized carbonate minerals. The appealing appearance of marble gives rise to the making of beautiful sculptures and statues. Jaipur city of Rajasthan, India, is considered the capital of marble carving where various marble idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are made. These magnificent statues are carved by skilled sculptors out of the purest white marble. The slight softness of white marble makes it easier to be carved and chiseled into any desirable form or shape. Another impressive feature of marble is that the calcite has a low refractive index that allows light to penetrate the stone before getting scattered out. This results in bringing a translucent appearance and luster to the marble sculpture. This is the reason why most sculptors prefer to work with marble for sculpting life-size statues that require intricate details, evoking a certain realism to the work.

There is a detailed or step-by-step process of developing the desired structure of a sculpture from marble stone. These steps are:

1. Clay mould

Most sculptors prefer to sculpt a preliminary model out of clay or wax to translate its complex and intricate details into the final stone sculpture with the use of calipers or a pointing machine. The plasticity of the clay mould helps sculptors capture the success of the final sculpture before carving the stone. The clay is moulded into the desired shape or form and this acts as a rough

2. Roughing out

The second step of carving or sculpting is to remove large portions of unwanted marble stone. This task is done by using a special tool known as a point chisel. The pointed end of this tool is useful for splitting the large stone and removing big chunks that are not wanted. Usually, a mallet (a tool similar to a hammer) is used to transfer energy through the chisel to shatter the stone evenly and accurately.

3. Refining the figure

Once the sculptors have determined the general shape of the sculpture, a toothed chisel or claw chisel is used to refine the stone. These tools create parallel lines in the stone to add texture to the figure. During this stage, the rough block of stone has now changed into the general shape of the sculpture.

4. Adding the details

The sculptor is now ready to carry out detailed work to develop a more refined form of the sculpture. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are then used to enhance the shape into its final form. These tools finely create details such as frills or folds of clothing or locks of hair.

5. Polishing

This is the last step in marble sculpting in which the sculptor uses materials such as sandpaper to bring out a natural sheen to the sculpture. The sandpaper is rubbed against the surface to make it smoother and flawless. Sometimes, tin oxide is also used to make the sculpture appear glossy and more translucent.

Marble sculptures are highly durable and can last for many decades if maintained and taken care of properly. They are also extremely weather-resistant and therefore, can be kept outdoors or indoors. The exquisite beauty of marble statues elevates the aura of the space and emanates positivity all around.