Ardhanarishwara Swami inside the Dhyana Mandir. Photo taken in 1994.

Ardhanarishwara linga is a svayambhu linga (self-evolved, i.e., naturally formed).  It has a silver color on one side and is golden on the other.

The silver represents the snow white complexion of Lord Shiva, and the gold reflects the golden complexion of Parvati.  Therefore, the linga exhibits the ardhanarishwara (half male and female) form of God.

The linga also manifests the forms of all four deities which make up Lord Shiva’s family.

As one looks at the linga, the concave area on the left represents the female aspect, Parvati.

The center portion in front of the linga has the shape of Ganesha.

The right side is convex and reflects the male aspect, Shiva.

Behind are the five faces of Kumarswamy (Subramanyan).