19th century wooden fragment, India.
 
Ardhanarishvara is an androgynous form of Shiva and Parvati. This form is represented as a fusion of half-masculine and half-feminine forms, divided in the center. The right half is depicted as Shiva, while the left half shows the female form of Parvati. The name of Ardhanarishvara  implies "the Lord who is half woman".
 
Since Ardhanarishvara represents the perfect synthesis of male and female forms, it also embodies Prakriti and Purusha, the female and male energies of the cosmos and also illustrates how Shakti, the Sacred Feminine, is inseparable from Shiva, the male principle of God. This form also symbolizes the ubiquitous and enduring nature of Lord Shiva. Fair condition, beautiful work.