Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Ardhanarishvara

DEFINITION:

A form of the Tantric deity that combines the male Shiva with the female Shakti in one iconic form. Visually, the deity is divided vertically, with one half showing physical male characteristics and the other half showing female characteristics. The name is Sanskrit for "The Lord who is Half Woman."

AUTHOR:  Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson (
SOURCE:  Great Sex Made Simple, Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson (Llewellyn Publications)