The Colas c36.48

c36.48

Fig. 39. Tripurāntakamūrti. From the same place. Now in the Government Museum, Madras. It stands gracefully in the *tribhaṅga* pose. The back hands are in *patākā hasta*. Beyond them are quivers. The front right arm is in *vyākhyāna* pose, while the left hand is holding the long bow. The *jaṭāmakuṭa*, *channavīra*, *hāra*, the upper garment tied in two loops and with beautiful bows, and the *yajñōpavīta* are executed in a splendid manner. Here too, as in the Tirukkaṭṭaḷai example, the facial expression is suggestive of *vismaya* caused by the Lord's destroying the Tripurāsuras. The swaying rhythm, the wonderful modelling and the supple as well as realistic delineation of the limbs make this figure a superb specimen of the art.