This bronze statue of Ardhanarishvara form of Shiva is a very beautiful artwork created by sculptors in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu state of Southern India. Shiva and Parvati are eternally united. They are the universal Male and Female principles and cause of all the creations that is seen in the universe. The form Ardhanarishvara is Shiva ’s form where Parvati - his potential - is seen contained in the left half of his body. This is one of the 64 forms of Shiva. <br> <br>Bronze artists of Chola period and others too had created many masterpieces after the Ardhanarishvara form, which possesses the masculinity of Shiva and delicacy of Parvati. These statues adorn museums in India and abroad. This bronze statue of Ardhanarishvara form of Shiva is a very beautiful artwork created by sculptors in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu state of Southern India. The idol is richly carved in perfect iconography and proportion. The right side is Shiva and left is Parvati. <br> <br>Ardhanarishvara is seen wearing a jatamakuta (hair styled as crown) studded with jewels. A crescent moon is seen on Shiva ’s head. He wears a fish-shaped earring and his loose hair is seen flowing. He holds a parashu (axe) in his upper hand and the front arm is posed to be resting on the back of Nandai - Shiva ’s mount. He wears tiger-skin seen up till his thighs. <br> <br>Parvati is seen standing with her arm raised and hand curled around a lotus (not seen here). She is dressed in fine silk and rich jewellery. The idol stands gracefully on a lotus pedestal.
