Antique Indian Amulet, Shiva, Uma Androgynous Ardhanarishvarathe, Himachal Pradesh, 29 Grams

The pendants from Himachal are distinctive; the deities are portrayed sparingly and graphically.

This collectable silver pendant from Himachal Pradesh, in northern India, in which Shiva is portrayed as the androgynous Ardhanarishvarathe representation  -  of the god Shiva and his consort Uma depicted as one being  - Ardhanarisvara, the Lord Whose Half Is Woman.

The concept of the androgynous image uniting Siva and Uma was devised by theologians to emphasize the nonduality of the divine principle uniting masculinity and femininity.

The amulet has two small bales (4 mm) and a chased pattern border.  There are three sets of decorative bells (ghrungus) attached to the bottom.

The amulet has been tested for high grade silver 92.5% approx.

Weight:  29 Grams (1.025 oz.)
Width:   4.5 cm (1 3/4")
Length:  5 cm (1 7/8"), plus 3 cm (1 ¼”) for dangles