Lord shiva as अर्धनारीश्वर (Ardhanarishvara)?
In Sanskrit, अर्ध (Ardha) means half, नारी (Nari) means woman and ईश्वर (Ishvara) means Lord. This form of lord Shiva represents the union of of masculine energy which is known as पुरुष (Purusha) and feminine energy known as प्रकृति (Prakriti).
In the iconography, the divine figure is divided vertically. The right side which is Lord Shiva, often shown as white complexion, matted hair with a crescent moon, a third eye on the forehead and covered in tiger skin. Lord Shiva holding the त्रिशूल (trishul means trident) in his hand.
The left side is Goddess Parvati, often shown as white complexion, well combed hairs and draped in green or red and gold silk also adorned with gold ornaments like necklaces, bangles and anklets.
According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Brahma was creating the universe through intense meditation. But he was unable to create a self-sustaining universe through his creation. Lord Brahma performed intense penance to appease Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared as Ardhanarishvara and told Lord Brahma that both male and female principles are essential for procreation.
Lord Brahma requested that the feminine part of Shiva which is Shakti to separate from Shiva’s body and to give him the power necessary for universal creation. Later again Lord Brahma performed intense penance for Goddess Adi Shakti and requested her to take a human form.
Goddess Adi Shakti agreed to be born as Sati, the daughter of Brahma’s son Daksha Prajapati and Prasuti. Goddess Sati chose Lord Shiva as her husband.
Ardhanarishvara symbolises the necessary harmony between consciousness and energy.