Original Painting

Ardhanarishwara

Avatar, Paintings

Ardhnarishwara presents the profound unity of divine masculine and feminine principles through the composite form of Shiva and Shakti. Rendered in rich earthy tones with cosmic blue accents, this painting depicts the half-male, half-female deity surrounded by sacred geometry. Shiva holds the damaru (drum) whose cosmic vibrations awaken spiritual awareness, while Shakti wields the weapon that destroys ignorance.

The figure’s body transitions from terrestrial flesh tones to cosmic star-filled blues, symbolizing Shakti as the universe itself. Golden triangular mandalas frame the deity, representing the fusion of opposing forces. This visual meditation explores the Samkhya philosophy of Purusha (soul) and Shakti (energy) creating existence through their eternal dance.

Dimension

27.4"(W) x 34.2"(H)

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Year Created

August 2017

Framing

Ready to Hang

Cultural Details

Rooted in Samkhya philosophy, Ardhnarishwara embodies the fundamental duality of existence—Purusha (consciousness) and Shakti (primordial energy). This composite deity represents the inseparable nature of opposing forces that create and sustain life.
The form teaches that liberation comes from transcending the attachment to duality while recognizing both aspects as essential. In Hindu temples, Shiva is never worshipped alone but always with Shakti, reflecting the understanding that consciousness and energy are eternally interdependent principles underlying all creation.

Artist's Personal Note

“Painting Ardhnarishwara challenged me to visualize non-duality through duality itself. I used earthy tones for the grounded masculine aspect and cosmic blues for the infinite feminine principle. The transitional body represents my understanding that we all contain both energies—the key is finding balance rather than dominance between them.”