Shiva Ardhanarishvara

Shiva Ardhanarishvara - The Lord who is half woman.

Shiva and his divine consort Parvati depicted as half-female and half-male . 

Ardhanarishvara represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purusha and Prakriti) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from (or the same as, according to non-dual interpretations) Shiva, the male principle of God, and vice versa. The union of these principles is exalted as the root and womb of all creation. Another view is that Ardhanarishvara is a symbol of Shiva's all-pervasive nature. Similar in concept with the Shiva/Shakti or the Hermaphroditus (Hermes and Aphrodite).

Modern image based on traditional statues from around 400 C.E. Sometimes accompanied by a bull (Nandi) who is half cow. Each half depicts symbols and postures of the God and Goddess.

In modern times, images like this one have been thought of as representing members of the transgender community.

16 inch resin antique wash statue #ARD