Material - Brass
Height - 5 Inch
Weight - 0.370 gm
Discover the divine balance of masculine and feminine energies with our exquisite 5-inch Arthanarishvara brass statue. Depicting the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their half-male, half-female form, this sacred statue symbolizes the harmonious fusion of opposites. Crafted with intricate detail, it serves as a powerful reminder of unity, wholeness, and transcendence, making it a cherished addition to any spiritual collection."
The Ardhanarishvara idol represents one of Hinduism's most profound and philosophically rich theological concepts — the perfect, indivisible union of Lord Shiva (the masculine principle) and Goddess Parvati (the feminine principle) within a single divine form. The name itself means "the Lord who is half woman" — Ardha (half), Nari (woman), Ishvara (Lord) — and the icon depicts a figure that is male on the right side and female on the left, symbolising that ultimate reality transcends the apparent duality of existence.
This theological understanding is considered one of the most advanced in all of Hindu philosophy: it teaches that masculine and feminine are not opposites but complementary aspects of a single, indivisible consciousness. Ardhanarishvara worship is therefore associated with the cultivation of inner balance, the harmony of relationships, the integration of the heart and the mind, and the realisation that all apparent differences are resolved at the level of ultimate truth.
This 5-inch brass Ardhanarishvara idol captures the subtlety and grace of this complex icon with remarkable skill. The left half of the figure — Parvati — displays the softness of feminine beauty, with jewellery, a sari drape, and the gentle posture of the goddess. The right half — Shiva — displays the strength of the masculine divine, with the matted hair of the ascetic, the crescent moon, and the symbols of Shiva's transcendent nature. The idol weighs 370 grams and stands with commanding spiritual presence.
This idol is particularly appropriate for meditation spaces, study rooms, and anywhere that the balance of inner qualities and the wisdom of non-duality is cultivated and honoured. It makes a deeply meaningful gift for spiritual seekers, students of Hindu philosophy, couples seeking the blessing of divine harmony in their relationship, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and depth of South Indian sacred art.
Adyar Handicrafts crafts every Ardhanarishvara idol with the respect and care that this profound theological concept deserves, ensuring that the object in your hands is worthy of the divine truth it represents.