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Syncretic Form · Vishnu-Shiva Combined

Harihara

हरिहर
Also known as: Śaṅkara Nārāyaṇa, Hari-Hara

About

Syncretic form combining Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara). Represents the unity of preservation and destruction, the reconciliation of Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions. Worshipped particularly in South India.

Attributes

Unity of Vishnu and ShivaPreservation and destructionSyncretic

Symbols

ShankhaChakraTrishulaDamaruCrescent moon
Consort
Lakshmi-Parvati (combined)

Associated Mantras

Om Haraye namaḥ, Śivāya namaḥ
Harihara Stotram

Scriptures

Puranas

Regions Worshipped

South IndiaKarnatakaTamil NaduNepal

Iconography

Half Vishnu, half Shiva. Left half is Shiva (matted hair, crescent moon, tiger skin), right half is Vishnu (crown, jewelry). Four or more arms holding respective symbols.