Ardhanarisvara, a figure of half Siva and half Parvati, represents:
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997
A. Union of male and female
B. Union of God and Goddess
C. Union of God with his Shakti
D. None of the above
Answer: Union of God with his Shakti
Option c is the correct answer.
Ardhanarisvara is a figure of half Siva and half Parvati. It is believed that the male part is God Shiva and the woman part is his consort Goddess Parvati or Shakti. Hence, it represents union of God with his Shakti.