The Colas c36.50

c36.50

Fig. 41. Ardhanārīśvara, in a niche in Mūvarkōvil No. 2. Koḍumbāḷūr, 'PudukkotTah State.' Stands in the *tribhanga* pose. Only one hand on the right side, which is Lord's. Pārvati's side has one hand which holds a mirror. A grand conception is given a wonderful form. Prakṛti and Puruṣa here combined to form the substratum of the cosmos. This figure almost achieves the impossible, and combines high aesthetic qualities with strict rules of iconography. The workmanship bears a remote resemblance to the Ardhanārī figure at Mahābalipuram. The designs of the flanking pilasters lend charm to the figure.