Religious Figure / Ardhanari

Gilt copper standing statue of Ardhanari. Ardhanari represents the universal female and male and is a composite of the Goddess Lakshmi and the God Shiva. The figure stands on a tiered platform upon a single lotus pedestal. The figure has eight arms with all attributes in tact. Lakshmi's attributes include the vase of longevity, the mirror to deflect the opponents of Hinduism, the lotus, symbol of purity and the manuscript a sign of wisdom. Shiva's arms hold the lotus, the mace, a weapon to defend Hinduism, the conch shell, the sound or teachings of Hinduism and the discus, a weapon of defence. Several stones are still in place and the figure wears the ornaments of the Hindu Gods.