Weight: 4.8 kg Approx Measurement: Height- 38 cm/15 Inch Approx Width- 21 cm/8 Inch Approx Depth- 10 cm/4 Inch Approx Ardhanarishvara , is an androgynous deity composed of Shiva and his consort Parvati, representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies. The Ardhanari form also illustrates how the female principle of God, Shakti, is inseparable from the male principle of God, Shiva. Ardhanari in iconography is depicted as half-male and half-female, split down the middle. The best sculptural depictions of Shiva as Ardhanari are to be seen in the sensuous Chola dynasty bronzes and the sculptures at Ellora and Elephanta. After Shiva and Parvati got married, Shiva wanted to share whatever was his experience. Hence, he sheded half of himself to accomdate half of Parvati in his Body. This is the story of Ardhanarishvara. This is basically trying to manifest that the masculine and the feminine are equally divided within yourself. Sculpture Description - Ardhanari or Ardhanareeswar is the synthesis of Shiva and Parvati into one form. In Ardhanari sculpture the body of Shiva has taken on the form of his wife Parvati; Shiva on the right and Parvati on the left. This is a living example of why Shiva is known as the role model for husbands because he has given his body to his wife absorbing her within him. Shiva's leg is adorned with a lion's skin. Shiva's side of the body has two arms and holds an ax with his other hand held up in the abhaya mudra. The left side of Parvati has all the womanly attributes of Parvati; her large exposed breast, and her customary leggings.