Buddhist Antiques, Asian and Indian Artifacts, Ardhanarishvara Painting

Shiva and Parvati in one image, half man, half woman

Ardhanarishvara Painting

Ardhanarishvara is Shiva and Parvati in one image, half man, half woman; half god, half goddess. Shiva represents the formless void or Absolute Divinity, and Parvati (Shakti) represents the manifest universe, form and the active power of Divinity. Ardhanarishvara is the perfect union of formlessness and form, nonduality and duality. This Indian painting shows a beautiful classical style. Shiva holds the trident in his upper right hand, representing creation, preservation, and destruction. A cobra is coiled around his neck and rises above his head, representing the power of kundalini (also associated with the goddess Parvati/Shakti). Parvati holds aloft a bowl of fire, its flames symbolizing purification and the burning away of karma and illusion. Atop her head is the face of Mother Ganga, spouting the purifying waters of heaven. Shiva’s mount, the bull Nandi, sits at Parvati’s side, while Parvati’s mount, the regal lion, sits beside Shiva.