Ardhanarishvara

Shiva as half woman: right half male, left half Parvati, stating that the two principles cannot be separated. The earliest images are Kushan, first century CE. Its origin is told at least five ways: Brahma's all-male creation could not multiply (Shiva Purana); the sage Bhringi would honour only Shiva and Parvati won union with his body (Tamil tradition); Parvati mistook her own reflection for a rival and asked to live in him (Kalika Purana); the redeemed Andhaka became Bhringi (Vamana Purana); and Parvati's penance at Arunachala after blinding Shiva in play.