મલ્લિકામકરન્દમાં અર્થપ્રકૃતિ પંચક

Summary

This Gujarati article examines a lesser‑known sect or philosophical orientation referred to as the Ardhamūrti panth associated with the temple of Mallikārjuna. It outlines the historical background of the temple at Śrīśailam, one of the twelve jyotirliṅgas dedicated to Śiva, and notes that over the centuries diverse Śaiva traditions have converged at the site. The paper traces references to Ardhamūrti worship in regional hagiographies and inscriptions, suggesting that devotees envisioned Śiva in a composite form embodying both male and female aspects. The author analyses ritual practices, iconography and liturgical texts associated with the sect, and considers how it relates to other syncretic traditions like Ardhanārīśvara worship. By bringing together textual and ethnographic evidence, the article argues that the Ardhamūrti panth represents a localised expression of broader themes of unity and complementarity in Indian religion.