South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses c9.s9.10

c9.s9.10

Fine images of Siva represented as the slayer of the elephant-demon are not uncommon in South-Indian temples. In this form he receives the name Gajahāmūrti. The image has eight hands generally, but may have occasionally only four. The two uppermost hands are stretched out and hold the hide of the elephant with its tail bent upwards in the form of an aureola, while on the sides of this aureola are seen the legs of the elephant hanging. In the three right hands are held the trident, the kettle-drum (or the sword) and the noose (or the tusk of the elephant). Two of the three left hands hold the tusk (or shield) and the skull (kapāla), while the third exhibits the posture indicating astonishment (vismaya) or sometimes holds a bell. The left leg is placed on the elephant-head of the giant and the right is raised up so as to reach the left thigh. A good figure answering to this description comes from Pērūr near Coimbatore. The Valuvūr image (Madras Archæological Survey Report for 1911-12, Plate IX, fig. 2) and the Tirutturaippūndi and the Dhārāsuram images (here illustrated) show the contrary position of the legs. The god has a terrible face with protruding teeth; and by his side is seen standing the