Vrishabhavahanamurti is amongst the finest examples of the early phase of Chola art. Here Shiva's figure has a benign look and there enshrines on his face a celestial glow and on his lips a gentle smile. In his three-fourth shut eyes there burst amour and absolute contentment. Though his right arm seems to lie on the back of his bull Nandi, yet the ease, which defines his posture, is unique. With his right leg place across his left, he imparts a feeling of absolute ease and casualness. The gesture of the left hand suggests that he is engaged in conversation elaborating something to Parvati. Earlobes in both images are taller than usual. Strangely, in his left ear Shiva is wearing a ring, whereas the right one is without any. The waistcloth is finely textured. As cloth it even loses its significance and acquires more the character of an exquisitely cast set of ornaments. The most attractive is the mode of dressing his hair. They are made to coil in peculiar ushnisha fashion, as jatabhara, that is, like a load-bearing basket.
In the tradition of faith, as prevalent in South India, Vrishabhavahanamurti Shiva is the giver of ultimate boon. It is believed, he emerges before his devotee and his appearance alone fulfills all desired and redeems the devotee from the cycle of life and death.
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