Ardhanarishwara is a composite androgynous form of the Hindu God Shiva and his consort Parvati (also known as Devi, Shakti and Uma in this icon). Ardhanarishvara is depicted as half male and half female, split down the middle. The right half is usually the male Shiva, illustrating his traditional attributes. Ardhanarishvara represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purusha and Prakriti) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from (or the same as, according to some interpretations) Shiva, the male principle of God. The union of these principles is exalted as the root and womb of all creation. Another view is that Ardhanarishvara is a symbol of Shiva's all-pervasive nature.
About the Framed Prints
Shiva As Ardhanarishvar Painting by Anzai. Bring your print to life with three different frame colors. Each framed print comes with equal sized mat that adds a depth perspective to the entire image and a protective glass covering. Our frame prints are assembled, packaged, and shipped by our expert framing staff and shipped within 3 days in "ready to hang" condition with pre-attached mounting points.