Arthanadheshwarar (also spelled Ardhanarishvara in Sanskrit) is a composite and symbolic form of the Hindu deities Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, fused into a single form.
Right side is Shiva:
Wears a tiger skin or loincloth
Carries a trident (trishula) or drum (damaru)
Has matted hair with the Ganga river and crescent moon
Sometimes shown with a serpent around the neck
Left side is Parvati:
Wears elaborate jewelry and a silk garment
Has a graceful feminine form
Sometimes holds a lotus or mirror
Parvati once wanted to be united with Shiva in the most intimate way possible — as one body.
In response, Shiva merged with her to form Arthanadheshwarar, symbolizing their inseparability.
This form also illustrates that Shakti (Parvati) is not just consort but an essential half of Shiva — without whom he is powerless.