Uma–Maheshvara

Uma–Maheshvara (Sanskrit: उमामहेश्वर, romanized: Umāmaheśvara) is a form of the divine couple, Shiva (Maheshvara) and Parvati (Uma), in Hindu iconography. It features the two principle Hindu deities in a benign form. It is one of the panchavimshatimurti (twenty-five forms of Shiva in Hindu iconography), as has been described in the Agamas, particularly in the Shaiva Siddhanta tracts of Southern India, and in the Silpa texts. The Uma–Maheshvara images are found in the sanctum sanctorum of several South Indian temples, on the relief-sculptures of the temple walls, and in museum collections. Images exist as paintings and sculptures made out of various materials that represent the potent symbol of the two deities. This form of the deities also travelled in neighbouring countries. In terms of the Hindu spiritual symbolism, the image represents the power and the significance of procreation.