The Colas c35.s2.9

c35.s2.9

But the grandest composition in the whole series is the Tripurāntaka panel on the north wall (eleventh chamber). It is a battle scene. Śiva is standing on the deck of the chariot in *ālīḍha* pose, his left knee bent, and the whole weight of his body thrown on the right leg which is placed forward; his eight arms carry different weapons, one of them, holding a long bow in front. His vibrant frame and defiant expression suggest vigorous action. On the driver's seat is the four-headed Brahmā holding the reins and the whip. This is the centre of scene. In front are the horses of the *asuras* facing Śiva and his *gaṇas*, the whole foreground depicting fights with different weapons between the two groups. On the top is seen Durgā on her lion thrusting her spear into the body of an *asura* while her lion is holding another by the neck.