Among the various forms of Shiva, Ardhanarishvara stands out as one of the most distinctive. In this portrayal, Shiva is shown as half male and half female. We delve into the mythology, scientific aspects, and the actual meaning behind the symbolism of Ardhanarishvara, shedding light on why Shiva is represented in this unique way.
TITLE : Ardhanarishvara – When the Ultimate Man Became Half- Woman – What does It Mean?
Saint Thirumoolar :- All the existing plants of the world are an aspect of Lord Shiva. Even though Shiva is formless, he is in the form of linga in the world. Life stage Lingam is plants. Without realizing it, if you destroy the lingam of Shiva, the plant, the state will falter and the country will collapse. Many new diseases will proliferate. As a keeper of Vegeta Lingam, I swear such incidents happen.
Lord Shiva is the Guru of Nandi ( Lord Shiva’s Bull ) And Nandi is the Guru of Saint Thirumoolar and Saint Thirumoolar is the Guru who opens the Muladhara Chakra Of human Body.
The Muladhara chakra, also called the coccyx center, is the lowest among the seven chakras, situated at the base of the spine. When our energy or awareness moves upward in a positive manner, the first chakra assists us in focusing, persevering, and remaining committed to the truth.
As We all know The Lord Shiva is the destroyer and creator of this world’s Living Creature. Lord Shiva And Goddess Parvati is the root of this world. When One of the three Supreme Lord Brahma was making this world then he needs the creatures who can Feel and Live the Life.
Then Supreme Lord Shiva And Goddess Shakti transform themselves into oneness And Form the Gigantic Ocean Of Oneness and from this ocean all small infinite creatures were formed. If we interpret the tale of Ardhanarishvara as a representation of creation, these two aspects – Shiva and Parvati, or Shiva and Shakti – are identified as Purusha and Prakriti.
While today the term “Purusha” is commonly associated with “man,” its original meaning is different. Prakriti signifies “nature” or “creation,” and Purusha is the source of creation. The source existed, creation unfolded, and it seamlessly aligned with the source. Purusha, in this context, is the catalyst, the primary force that initiates the process.
In the primordial state of existence, before creation, what prompted it to transition and become creation is termed Purusha. Whether it’s the birth of a human, an ant, or a cosmos, the process is analogous. In human terms, it is denoted as male or masculine.
In essence, the yearning for connection is not merely between two individuals but between two dimensions of life – both external and internal. Achieving this inner connection ensures that the external manifestation happens willingly and entirely by choice. Failing to establish this inner harmony results in an external manifestation driven by forceful compulsion.
This mirrors the fundamental nature of life. The symbolic act of Shiva encompassing Parvati as a part of himself, becoming half-woman and half-man, signifies the potential for human evolution. When one evolves in their ultimate context, they embody both masculine and feminine qualities, not as a neutral entity but as a complete human being.
This completeness transcends a skewed development, embracing the growth of both masculine and feminine attributes. Here, “feminine” and “masculine” refer to specific qualities, not necessarily tied to gender. Achieving a balance of these qualities within oneself allows for a life of true fulfillment.
The name Ardhanarishvara translates to “the Lord Who is half woman.” This form is also recognized by various other names such as Ardhanaranari (“the half man-woman”).Ardhanarisha (“the Lord who is half woman”), Ardhanarinateshvara (“the Lord of Dance (Who is half-woman), Parangada, Naranari (“man-woman”).
Ammaiyappan (a Tamil name meaning “Mother-Father”), and Ardhayuvatishvara (in Assam, “the Lord whose half is a young woman or girl”). Pushpadanta, a writer from the Gupta era, referred to this form as dehardhaghatana (“Thou and She are each the half of one body”) in his Mahimnastava.
Utpala, commenting on the Brihat Samhita, called this form Ardha-Gaurishvara (“the Lord whose half is the fair one”; the fair one – Gauri – is an attribute of Parvati).
The Vishnudharmottara Purana simply refers to this form as Gaurishvara (“The Lord/husband of Gauri”).