The most prominent form of Shiva in Brihadeshvara Temple built by Chola dynasty is Tripuntaka. Tripurantaka is a manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva. In this aspect, Shiva is depicted with four arms wielding a bow and arrow. Shiva as Tripurantaka is accredited with destroying three mythical cities of the Asuras. It is believed that the Rudraksha came from lord Shiva’s eyes, when he destroyed Tripura.
