The Tall And Slender Ardhanarishvara

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Name: The Tall And Slender Ardhanarishvara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ET07
Price: 720.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$675

$900

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

A one-of-a-kind deity, the Ardharnarishvara is an oddity of the Hindoo pantheon, albeit a quintessential one. Quintessential, because it espouses the very basis of the Indian Sankhya philosophy. Sankhya begins and ends with the exposition and union (samyoga) and sublimation (viyoga) of purusha and prakrti. While the former is the energy principle, the latter is the matter principle, and it is the union of the two that leads to existence as we know it.

Purusha is a king; prakrti, the dancing girl. The masculine and feminine principles, respectively. The Ardhanarishvara that you see on this page is a union of the masculine and the feminine, of matter with energy, that which causes life and motion and beauty and ultimately the quest for sublimation. The Ardhanarishvara deity is a half-and-half of Lord Shiva and His ardhangini Devi Parvati.

It is a stately bronze number, a solemn monotone composition the colour of deep, dark earth. A slender lotus pedestal under the feet of the deity, one leg clad in a loincloth, the other in a full-length dhoti as befits the limbs of a woman. The angular lines of His torso, the supple curves of Hers. He is chatubhujadhari, She dvibhujadhari. A serene, handsome face, beneath a tall but asymmetrical crown. Finally, the karnakundalas of Lord Shiva cascade down His shoulders, in contrast with Hers which are gently grazing the clavicles.

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Specifications

	ET07
	Bronze Statue from Swamimalai
	Height: 12.1 inch
	Width: 5.3 inch
	Depth: 3.2 inch
	Weight 2.20 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 25 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

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

Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Divine Union of Shiva and Parvati

This exquisite bronze statue depicts Ardhanarishvara, a revered form that embodies the synthesis of the masculine and feminine energies in the universe. Ardhanarishvara, a composite deity of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati, represents the primal unity from which all creation emerges. This form signifies that the masculine and feminine are inseparable, two halves of a whole, each incomplete without the other. It speaks to the cosmic balance and the interconnectedness of all existence. The depiction of this deity is a powerful symbol of divine love, harmony, and the profound philosophical concept of duality being resolved into unity.

Craftsmanship from Swamimalai

This remarkable piece is a testament to the ancient art of bronze casting, meticulously crafted in Swamimalai, a renowned center for South Indian bronze sculpting. The artisans employ the traditional lost-wax casting technique, a method passed down through generations, ensuring the authenticity and intricate detailing of each sculpture. The use of Panchaloha, an alloy of five metals believed to possess auspicious properties, imbues the statue with a divine aura and exceptional durability. The slender, graceful form of Ardhanarishvara is rendered with remarkable precision, from the delicate ornamentation adorning the body to the serene expression on the face.

Symbolism and Iconography

The deity's dual nature is vividly portrayed. The right half, representing Shiva, is often depicted with a serpent ornament, a tiger skin garment, and a trident (though not visible in this specific depiction). The left half, representing Parvati, is adorned with jewelry, a more feminine physique, and often carries a lotus or a mirror. In this statue, the androgynous form beautifully captures the essence of this divine union. The posture is dynamic, suggesting movement and vitality, reflecting the creative and destructive forces that Shiva embodies, and the nurturing and transformative powers of Parvati. The slender physique conveys an ethereal and divine quality, making this a captivating object of devotion and artistic appreciation.

A Legacy of Devotion and Philosophy

The concept of Ardhanarishvara finds its roots in ancient Hindu scriptures and philosophical texts. It is believed that the deity emerged when the universe was devoid of both masculine and feminine principles, and Shiva, in his desire for creation, sought to unify these forces within himself. The visual representation of Ardhanarishvara serves as a constant reminder of this fundamental truth – that the divine encompasses all aspects of existence, and that creation itself is a result of the perfect balance between opposing yet complementary energies. This statue, born from skilled hands and steeped in profound spiritual meaning, offers a tangible connection to these timeless beliefs, making it a significant addition to any sacred space or collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?

A. Panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid. To know more about how bronze statues are made, please read our article on Panchaloha Bronze Statues. Whereas, brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow.
Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?

A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
Q. Can I return the statue ?

A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?

A. For any customisation, a new bronze statue has to be made. To know more, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.