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Ardhanarishvara (Shiva-Shakti)

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Name: Ardhanarishvara (Shiva-Shakti)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEN090
Price: 1045.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1306

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati (Shakti), depicted as half male and half female, is called Ardhanarishvara, which means ‘the lord who is half woman’. It is a synthesis of masculine and feminine energies illustrating how Shakti is inseparable from Shiva. It is also known as Ardhanaranari (the half man-woman), Ardhanarisha (Lord who is half woman), Ardhanarinateshwara (Lord of dance who is half woman), Naranari (man-woman) etc. This concept originated in Kushan era (30-375 CE), perfected in the Gupta era (320-600 CE).The right superior side is the male Shiva and the left is female Shakti indicating masculine dominant right side; depicted with four arms (two on each side).

Shiva is in abhaya mudra of blessing and the rear hand holds a trishul symbolizing control over universal time. Female half holds a kamandalu (sacred pot of cold water) and a lotus in the back hand indicating purity. Male half wears a jata-mukuta (headdress of matted hair) with the sacred river Ganga flowing out and a crescent moon adorned on it. Male eye is slightly smaller than the female eye; left side of the neck is adorned with beautiful jewels and right side has a serpent (symbol of death) coiled around it. Third eye is in the centre of Shiva’s tilak and Shakti’s bindi. Shiva is attired in a tiger skin and Shakti wears a sari.

It is an irony that despite being presented differently in all aspects, they demonstrate soulfulness. This rare statue is sculpted out of a single piece of marble representing purity, truth and affection towards each other and the people.

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Specifications

	ZEN090
	White Marble Statue
	Height: 14.5 inch
	Width: 3 inch
	Depth: 6.5 inch
	Weight 3.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Divine Union: A Symbol of Balance and Creation

This exquisite white marble statue embodies the profound concept of Ardhanarishvara, a composite form of the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati. It represents the inseparable union of the masculine and feminine energies that govern the universe, a fundamental principle in Shaivism and Tantra. The form is a powerful testament to the belief that creation arises from the interplay of opposing forces, each incomplete without the other. The left half of the deity, typically depicted as Parvati, exudes grace and tenderness, often adorned with flowing garments and a gentler expression. In contrast, the right half, representing Shiva, radiates power and asceticism, marked by symbols of his divine power. This duality is not one of conflict but of perfect harmony, where the destructive and creative forces are intrinsically linked. The myth of Ardhanarishvara highlights the idea that the divine is both transcendent and immanent, encompassing all aspects of existence.

Artistry and Symbolism

Crafted from pure white marble, this statue is a masterpiece of devotional art. The smooth, cool surface of the marble lends an ethereal quality to the divine form, while the meticulous carving captures the intricate details of the divine figures. The golden accents, adorning the attire, jewelry, and divine attributes, add a touch of opulence and emphasize the sacredness of the deity. The gentle smile on the face of Ardhanarishvara speaks of eternal peace and cosmic understanding. The presence of the trident (Trishul) in one hand signifies Shiva's power to destroy ignorance and illusion, clearing the path for enlightenment. The lotus flower held by the other hand is a symbol of purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening, often associated with the divine feminine. The small lamp held in the lower right hand, lit with a sacred Swastika symbol, represents the dispelling of darkness and the illumination of knowledge. Each element of this statue is imbued with deep spiritual meaning, inviting contemplation and reverence.

A Sacred Presence for Your Home

This Ardhanarishvara statue is more than just an artistic creation; it is a spiritual conduit. Placed in your home or sacred space, it serves as a constant reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, the balance of energies, and the omnipresence of the divine. It is believed to bring harmony, prosperity, and a sense of spiritual well-being to its surroundings. The statue's elegant form and profound symbolism make it a cherished addition to any collection, a piece that inspires devotion and deepens one's understanding of the cosmos. It is a perfect gift for seekers of spiritual wisdom, devotees of Shiva and Parvati, or anyone who appreciates the beauty and depth of Indian mythology and art.

How to clean and maintain marble statues?

Marble has been a preferred material for sculptors and artists for more than a thousand years. It is a rock that undergoes metamorphism which causes recrystallization of the original carbonate mineral grains. Marble comes in various colors, designs, and dimensions. Pure white marble is the most preferred type of marble for making sculptures and statues since time immemorial. White marble is especially used for sculpting stone monumental sculptures since ancient times. The natural shine and luster of the carbonate crystals of white marble give a lavish and beautiful appearance to the statue.

Marble stone statues are highly durable and can even withstand harsh weather conditions without getting corroded, therefore, they can be kept indoors or outdoors without getting damaged or weathered. Although these statues can last for many decades, their regular care and cleaning are essential to increase their longevity and beautiful appearance.

The simplest and basic way of cleaning a marble stone statue is to clear away dirt accumulated on the surface. Outdoor statues are especially prone to biological growth and dirt build-up that may take away their natural beauty. You may rinse the statue with warm water and mild soap to clean the dirt as much as possible. You can use a sponge or cotton cloth to scrape off dirt accumulated in crevices and cracks.

You must never allow water to stand on the surface of the statue for a long time. Standing water gets absorbed by the marble’s porous surface which results in its discoloration. Therefore, it is always recommended to dry-clean the statue with a towel or damp cloth.

Applying beeswax, a non-toxic product, on the surface of the marble statue offers protection against staining, dirt, and pollutants. It also polishes the surface and gives a natural shine to the statue.

Marble statues need periodical cleaning to maintain their flawless look. However, harsh and deep cleaning can result in making the statue look dull. If your marble statue is withering away, it is recommended to take the help of a professional cleaner. Marble is a delicate material and therefore needs proper care.

Marble Mastery Unveiled: The Artisan's Symphony in Sculpting Timeless Beauty

Marble is a soft and delicate metamorphic rock derived from limestone. It is composed mainly of recrystallized carbonate minerals. The appealing appearance of marble gives rise to the making of beautiful sculptures and statues. Jaipur city of Rajasthan, India, is considered the capital of marble carving where various marble idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are made. These magnificent statues are carved by skilled sculptors out of the purest white marble. The slight softness of white marble makes it easier to be carved and chiseled into any desirable form or shape. Another impressive feature of marble is that the calcite has a low refractive index that allows light to penetrate the stone before getting scattered out. This results in bringing a translucent appearance and luster to the marble sculpture. This is the reason why most sculptors prefer to work with marble for sculpting life-size statues that require intricate details, evoking a certain realism to the work.

There is a detailed or step-by-step process of developing the desired structure of a sculpture from marble stone. These steps are:

1. Clay mould

Most sculptors prefer to sculpt a preliminary model out of clay or wax to translate its complex and intricate details into the final stone sculpture with the use of calipers or a pointing machine. The plasticity of the clay mould helps sculptors capture the success of the final sculpture before carving the stone. The clay is moulded into the desired shape or form and this acts as a rough

2. Roughing out

The second step of carving or sculpting is to remove large portions of unwanted marble stone. This task is done by using a special tool known as a point chisel. The pointed end of this tool is useful for splitting the large stone and removing big chunks that are not wanted. Usually, a mallet (a tool similar to a hammer) is used to transfer energy through the chisel to shatter the stone evenly and accurately.

3. Refining the figure

Once the sculptors have determined the general shape of the sculpture, a toothed chisel or claw chisel is used to refine the stone. These tools create parallel lines in the stone to add texture to the figure. During this stage, the rough block of stone has now changed into the general shape of the sculpture.

4. Adding the details

The sculptor is now ready to carry out detailed work to develop a more refined form of the sculpture. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are then used to enhance the shape into its final form. These tools finely create details such as frills or folds of clothing or locks of hair.

5. Polishing

This is the last step in marble sculpting in which the sculptor uses materials such as sandpaper to bring out a natural sheen to the sculpture. The sandpaper is rubbed against the surface to make it smoother and flawless. Sometimes, tin oxide is also used to make the sculpture appear glossy and more translucent.

Marble sculptures are highly durable and can last for many decades if maintained and taken care of properly. They are also extremely weather-resistant and therefore, can be kept outdoors or indoors. The exquisite beauty of marble statues elevates the aura of the space and emanates positivity all around.