Harihara at the Guimet museum, Paris

myminifactory

Harihara represents a unified form of both Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara), deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. Also referred to as Shankaranarayana ("Shankara" signifying Shiva, and "Narayana" denoting Vishnu), Harihara is revered by Vaishnavites and Shaivites alike as a manifestation of the Supreme God, while also serving as an object of worship for various other Hindu traditions. Furthermore, Harihara is sometimes utilized as a philosophical term to signify the unity of Vishnu and Shiva as distinct aspects of the same Supreme Deity. The precise nature of both Vishnu and Shiva (derived from their associated narratives in Vedic and Puranic scriptures) and their respective positions on difference or unity remains a subject of considerable debate among diverse philosophical schools. This artifact is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit project launched by MyMiniFactory, aiming to create a digital repository of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access at no cost. Scan The World is an open-source community initiative; if you possess intriguing items nearby and wish to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to discover how you can participate.