Ardhanarishvara: Shiva–Parvati as One

This richly detailed model depicts Ardhanarishvara, the composite form of Shiva and Parvati united in a single standing figure. The left half bears Shiva’s marks—matted crown, serpent, tiger-skin wrap, and a hand in abhaya—while the right half shows Parvati with braided hair, jeweled bodice and sari drape, her lower hand extended in varada. Upper hands carry emblematic attributes (drum on the Shiva side, lotus/vessel on the Parvati side). Ardhanarishvara expresses the inseparability of Shiva–Shakti: consciousness and energy, ascetic and householder, male and female held in perfect equilibrium.