Description
An exquisite bronze statue of Ardhanarishvara Shiva. Shiva is the supreme Brahman, complete in all respects. So if Brahman is neither male nor female and complete too then it derives that he must be both Male and Female. He indeed is and that completeness of Brahman is depicted in this Ardhanarishvara Murti Shiva Bronze Idol.
Ardhanarishvara Murti is one of Shiva’s 64 forms. This form of Shiva is mentioned in many Hindu texts and has full shastric support. In Skanda Puranas it is mentioned that Shiva became Ardhanarishvara when Parvati requested a complete limb-to-limb embrace with him. Further on in the same text Parvati assumes this form before the demon Andhakasura who lost interest in her after seeing her in this form.
Then according to Shiva Purana when Brahma’s creation is unable to procreate and Brahma meditated on Shiva, he appeared to him as Ardhanarishvara indicating to him that he must create female counterparts for his creation for regeneration. Brahma then prays to the female half of Ardhanarishvara and the goddess then creates matr (maternal) shakti to assist in creation.
The fact that Shiva or Brahman is one with his Maya is beautifully depicted in the form of Shiva as Ardhanarishvara. This form is a fusion of the forms of Shiva and Parvati. Shive occupies the right half and holds a parashu in his upper arm and his lower arm is in the pose of resting on the back of Nandi (Shiva’s bull mount), not shown here. His hair is fashioned as jatamakuta (hair tied up in the shape of crown) and some are left loose. He is shown not earring an earring.
Parvati, the left half, is bedecked in rich jewellery. She wears a crown, a round earring and her hand is curled as if holding a flower. She stands gracefully poised in womanly delicacy. This statue, created using Madhuchishtavidhana, is standing on a beautiful lotus pedestal.
Special Comments
A masterpiece bronze sculpture of Ardhanarishvarar Murti, one of 64 forms of Bhagwan Shankar.