Ardhanarishvara
Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Ardhanarishvara means "the lord who is half woman". It is an image of Shiva in which the right half of the body is male (Shiva) and the left half is female (Parvati). It expresses the idea that male and female, or spirit and energy, are one and cannot be separated. Early forms appear in Kushana-period Mathura. The image became an important part of Shaiva temple and cave art.
Example
A famous large Ardhanarishvara is carved in the rock-cut cave of Shiva at Elephanta, near Mumbai (Maharashtra), c. 6th century CE. Ardhanarishvara figures are also common in later south Indian temples.
Don't confuse with
- Linga: Ardhanarishvara shows Shiva in human form. The linga is the usual non-human symbol of Shiva.
Related concepts
- Gandhara school of art
- Mathura school of art
- Headless statue of Kanishka
- Amaravati school of art
- Takshashila University