Shiva and Shakti

There is duality in manifestation and this duality has the character of complimentary poles of attraction. There can be no creation without the relation of opposites. Shiva contains all opposites within him and even described as half male, half female. In Hindu mythology, Parvati is considered to be the cosmic energy, Shakti and can be benevolent and fierce. In her aspect as Durga, she is a fierce golden–hued woman who rides on a tiger and is called the 'Inaccessible'.

This Ardhanarishvara murti of Shiva in a way symbolizes the syncretic ideology, for it emphasizes the union of the principal cult deities of Shaivism and Shaktism. Shiva's leg is folded on the pedestal while Durga's is pendant, slightly folded at the knee. The cobra raises its head atop the matted hair of Shiva, even as the crescent moon shines prominently. Shiva's two arms hold a trishula and make a varada pose; one hand of Parvati holds a nilotpala flower. The dress and ornaments of the two halves of the body are different in as much as they are made to befit a male and a female.

At the feet of Shiva sits Nandi, the bull that is his associated vehicle. At the other side is the fierce lion, belonging to Durga. This beautiful androgyne image portrays the coming together of Parvati and her lord, the togetherness of female and male and the oneness of prakriti and purusha.

This description by Kiranjyot.