Ardhnarishwar is an androgynous deity of Shiva and his consort Shakti, representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies. According to many scriptures, everything in this Universe originates from Ardhnarishwar and goes back into Ardhnarishwar after completion of its lifetime. This view is supported by a lot of arguments.

The Samkhya texts state that there are two distinct fundamental eternal entities: the Purusha and the Prakriti. The Prakriti has three qualities: sattva (purity or preservation), rajas (creation) and tamas (darkness or destruction). When the equilibrium between these qualities gets broken, the act of creation starts. Rajas quality leads to creation. Therefore, Purusha and Prakriti cannot exist independent of each other. They must exist together and in harmony in order to create.

The Devi Bhagwat Purana says that Purusha (Shiva, in material form) worshipped and meditated on Adishakti for thousands of years, using the beej mantra "Kleem".She then incarnated in front of him in the form of Sidhidatri, from the left half of Lord Shiva.

The same purana mentions Parvati, the Goddess of power and beauty, which is considered her Sagun Swaroop (human form). That is to say Parvati is seen as the truest material form of the Goddess, possessing the three qualities (sattva, rajas, or tamas).

From the union of Purusha and Prakriti, emerged all other Gods and Goddesses. Lord Vishnu, thus became the preserver of creation. From the navel of Vishnu emerged Brahma who took a few elements of Prakriti to create life and so He became the creator. Shiva took the role of destroyer to facilitate new creation. Thus, the holy trinity came into existence.

Ardhnarishwar personifies the dissolution of sectarian strains and the adoption of a more holistic, all embracing worldview. Ardhnarishwar signifies "totality that lies beyond duality", that God is beyond the classification of male and female. It unifies all the dichotomies of Universe. It represents two conflicting ways of life which are needed for life to be created. Therefore, none can exist without the other.
Worshipping the Ardhnarishwar form of Lord Shiva and Maa Shakti is considered one of the most auspicious Pujas of Shiva and Shakti. This Puja is mainly dedicated to both the male and female energies of the supreme power.

As per the Scriptures, Ardhnarishwar is a form of Lord Shiva who represents the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. The right half is Lord Shiva and the left half is Goddess Parvati.

The Ardhnarishwar form indicates that Shiva and Shakti are one. It represents the synthesis of male and female energies of the Universe.

Ardhnarishwar is a combination of two energies which are responsible for the creation of this universe.

Worshipping the Ardhnarishwar form of Lord Shiva and Maa Shakti is considered one of the most auspicious Pujas of Shiv and Shakti. This Puja is mainly dedicated to both the male and female energies of the supreme power.