Lord Harihhar

Lord Harihhar

Khajaraho School, 10th Century AD,  National Museum, New Delhi

            One of the most unique gods in India is Lord Harihar. According to the Puranas Lord Shiva was struck by the beauty of Mohini  (Lord Vishnu in a female form). They had physical relationship.  Harihar is the child of that union. He is half Hari--Lord Vishnu, and half Har--Lord Shiva. Thus he has the quality of both: he meditates, yet he maintains the world with his powers. 

            Historically it was important to invent him. For in ancient India disputes regularly erupted between Vaishnavs,  the followers of Lord Vishnu , and Shaivites,  the followers of Lord Shiva. It was better to assimilate them than to annihilate each other. 

            Although Harihar is hardly worshipped now except at Bhuveneshwar, but he is the symbol of Hinduism ' s ability to absorb and resolve conflicts. He is also an example of fluidity of sexual identity in Indian mind.  He is relevant for the post - modern world.