The Lord who is half woman
Subtitle: Ardhanārīśvara in Indian and feminist perspective
By: Ellen Goldberg
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Published: 2002
Place of publication: Albany
Language: eng
Number of pages: 193
Subjects: Ardhanarisvara (Hindu deity); Siva (Hindu deity)
Description: "The designation "Lord Who Is Half Woman" refers to the androgynous Hindu god Ardhanarisvara (also known as Siva-Sakti). While iconographical aspects of this significant image have been addressed, the complex theological, philosophical, and social implications inherent in a dual gendered deity have not. This book provides the first extensive study of the influence of Ardhanarisvara, exploring four distinct areas of Indian culture, namely iconography, hathayoga, devotional poetry (bhakti), and mythology.

Ellen Goldberg also offers a feminist analysis of the ways in which "male" and "female" have been constructed in this image and the various representations pertaining to the broader gender implications of an androgynous deity."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 173-186) and index