Tribhanga: The Sculptural Evolution of Durga and Ardhanarusvara, by Ramadevi Sekhar

For thousands of years, Asian art has expressed sacred beliefs and philosophical concepts. Temple art works, like those depicting Durgā and Ardhanārīśvara, are visual representations of the transcendent, made understandable to humans. Durgā, the martial goddess, has evolved from the Indus Valley, inspiring artistic geniuses with her multifaceted attributes. Ardhanārīśvara, representing the balance between masculine and feminine principles, showcases Indian sculptors' perfection in achieving androgynous forms through the Tribhaṅga technique. This study analyzes the stylistic development of Durgā and Ardhanārī images from the Pallava to Chola Age, highlighting the creative genius of architects and sculptors in balancing visual imagery.