Shiva is one, half of whose body is taken up by Maa Parvati, Hence Ardhanarishwara.

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Shiva is one, half of whose body is taken up by Maa Parvati, Hence Ardhanarishwara. Ardhanarishwara form also illustrates how the female principle of God, Shakti, is inseparable from the male principle of God, Shiva. Ardhanarishwara in iconography is depicted as half-male and half-female, split down the middle. `Ardhanarishwara` is a combination of three words `Ardha`, `Nari` and `Ishwara` means `half`, `woman` and `lord` respectively, which when combined means the lord whose half is woman. The Ardhanarishwara represents a constructive and generative power. God is beyond the concept of any sex. God can be male, female, and even neuter too. So god existing in this intrinsic condition is referred as Ardhanarishwara. Shiva and Shakti are one and the same supreme power. The formless god is called Parashiva.  The god creates the world and act for the benefits of Pashus (souls), who are attached by Pasha (bondage). The power of creation comes from Shiva and Shakti. Though they are incorporated in the same form they act independently as well as jointly. This is understood when the philosophers in ancient scriptures describe Shakti as wife, mother and daughter of Shiva. As wife, Shakti acts together with Shiva, as mother Shakti becomes Shiva or Shiva comes out Shakti and as daughter Shiva becomes Shakti. 🌿🍃 Hari Om Tat Sat ~ Jai Ardhnarishwaraya Namah! 🙏🏻🙏🏻