Studies in Indian Art c14.s2.19

c14.s2.19

Tripura seems to be depicted in his triple form, once being trampled under the left foot of Śiva, the middle one in the *antariksha* region is haggard and shown standing helplessly with a dagger in right hand, while the topmost form afloat in the sky is being pierced by Śiva's trident. Near the right foot of the god stands a *gaṇa* in the attitude of adoration, while the tall form of the deity majestically fills and dominates the whole scene. His matted locks stand erect on head and are secured at the lower edge by a fillet consisting of skull-bosses. He wears a long skull-garland (*kapālamālā*) and a *nāga-yajñopavīta*. (Circa, 8th century A.D.). There are two other reliefs showing Śiva killing the demon Tripura but they are not so well preserved.