Ardhanārīśvara, is a profound deity in Hinduism, whose name translates to “the lord who is half woman.” Ardhanārīśvara is the supreme unified embodiment of the universal masculine and feminine principles, or both Śiva and his consort Śakti in one composite form. Ardhanārīśvara’s form is described in numerous Hindu texts, including Śilpa śāstras like the Śrītattvanidhi, Purāṇas such as the Śiva and Skanda Purāṇas, and devotional writings like the Ardhanārīśvara Stotra. However, tantric references, especially from the Kaula perspective, remain relatively obscure and are seldom known to the public.
One notable exception is found in the Kulārṇava Tantra, which introduces a unique form of Kaulism known as Ūrdhvāmnāya or “Upper Tradition.” This tradition honors Ardhanārīśvara, particularly focusing on a variant form that resembles the goddess Parā of Trika Śaivism (shown as the left-hand side of the deity) and who also shows remarkable continuity with a form worshipped in the Paraśurāma Kalpa Sūtra.
In 2023, a collaborative project with Drdha Vrata Gorrick brought this esoteric form of Ardhanārīśvara to life. The drawing meticulously adheres to the descriptions found in the Kulārṇava Tantra, albeit with some additional artistic interpretations to flesh out elements not explicitly detailed in the dhyāna śloka.
The dhyāna and contemplation on Ardhanārīśvara can be found in the ullāsa 4 (vv. 107-115):
Ardhanārīśvara Dhyāna:
O Maheśani! After performing with concentrated mind the Mātṛkā Nyāsa as described above, Dhyāna of Ardhanārīśvara should be performed. One should in his Heart-lotus, first contemplate Ardhanārīśvara Lord Śiva in the following manner: In the middle of the ocean of Nectar embellished there is a raised Island. On it in the woodland of Kalpavṛksas there is a beautiful Mandapa (canopy) made of Nine Rubies. In that Mandapa there is a throne embellished with Nine Jewels. On that throne on a triangular seat in the pericarp of the Lotus, is seated Lord Śiva decorated with Moon and Sun and Devī Ambikā forming half of His body. The respective ornaments of both are glittering on their bodies separately. Beautiful as tens of millions of Kāma Devas and always young as a sixteen year old, the Locus-face of Lord Ardhanārīśvara is in a mildly smiling pose. He has three-eyes and Moon decorates His crest of hair. He is putting on Divine clothings, ornaments and flower garlands and His body is smeared with sandal paste. His three of the four hands are holding pāna-pātra, triśula and pustaka, and the fourth is in cinmudrā. Accompanied by Vidyā and Siddhis He is always Blissful. Innumerable Gods mentioned above in Mahāṣodhā are waiting in His service. One should contemplate upon such a Form of Ardhanārīśvara Lord Śiva, in his heart-lotus.
Contemplation in Puṃ, Stri or Niṣkala Form:
One can contemplate upon Ardhanārīśvara either in a Masculine or in a Feminine Form, or in Saccidānanda Attributeless Form which is full of all-radiance and contains all the mobile and immobile creation.
Source: Kulārnava Tantra, Text and English Translation by Ram Kumar Rai.
Our collaborator
Drdha Vrata Gorrick
Drdha Vrata learned classical arts for several years in South India from renowned iconography Masters and has established himself as one of the leading experts and teachers of Vedic iconography.
He has traveled the world exhibiting his works and conducting classes with the aim to introduce and promote the ancient artform. Drdha Vrata’s works are in various private collections around the globe and his students are also spread far and wide.
The artist’s website:
https://www.divyakala.com
