Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s7.39

v2.c16.s7.39

In the forest of Tāraka dwelt multitudes of heretical *rishis*, followers of the Mīmāmsa. Thither proceeded Śiva to confute them, accompanied by Viṣṇu disguised as a beautiful woman, and Ādi-Śēsha. The *rishis* were at first led to violent dispute amongst themselves, but their anger was soon directed against Śiva, and they endeavoured to destroy Him by means of incantations. A fierce tiger was created in sacrificial fires, and rushed upon Him; but smiling gently, He seized it and, with the nail of His little finger stripped off its skin, and wrapped it about Himself like a silken cloth.* Undiscouraged by failure, the sages renewed their offerings, and produced a monstrous serpent, which, however, Śiva seized and wreathed about His neck like a garland. Then He began to dance; but there rushed upon Him at last a monster in the shape of a malignant dwarf, Muyalaka (the Apasmārapurusha). Upon him the God pressed the tip of His foot, and broke the creature’s back, so that it writhed upon the ground; and so, His last foe prostrate, Śiva resumed the dance, witnessed by gods and rishis.