The goddess can be seen attacking a buffalo-headed demon called Mahisha. The myth describes how
Mahisha has grown to be a terribly powerful force, upsetting the balance of life. The gods, in
desperation, pooled their resources together (the sun gave his ever-watchful eyes, the wind his
swift feet, etc.) and produced a super-goddess: young, beautiful, and invincible. She did what
the male gods could not do, and subjugated Mahisha effortlessly. The great battle, witnessed by
the gods, is narrated in this superb specimen of monumental Pallava sculpture.