Shiva Dancing

Ravana Phadi Cave Temple, Aihole

Shiva, in his ten-armed form (compare Ellora Cave 29), dances beside Ganesh and Parvati (photo left, hidden behind pillar; see next page). The panel is located in a shallow chamber on the left side as you face the linga shrine. Shiva's elongated torso, high hat, and pleated garments are markers of the Early Western Chalukya style in sculpture.

The panel is considered by Huntington (p. 283) to probably depict Shiva's triumphal dance after he defeated the demon Andhaka. Here though, the elephant skin, under which Shiva usually dances, is replaced by snakes.