Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Ardhanarisvara, a figure of half Siva and half Parvati, represents:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
In Hindu iconography, Ardhanarisvara symbolizes the inseparable nature of the male and female principles of the universe. It illustrates that the Supreme Being is both masculine and feminine.Explanation
Iconographic texts and Puranas describe this form as half Shiva (Purusha) and half Parvati (Prakriti/Shakti). It emphasizes that without Shakti, Shiva remains inert.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The figure is vertically split; the right half is typically Shiva, characterized by his ornaments and features, while the left half is Parvati.
Logic 2: While it looks like a union of male and female, in theological terms, it represents the union of the Purusha (God) with his primordial energy or Shakti (Prakriti).