This contemporary reimagining of Gajasurasamhara Shiva draws from the fierce mythological moment immediately following the slaying of the elephant demon, Gajasura. Literally meaning “destroyer of the elephant-demon,” this aspect—also known as Gajasamhara or Gajantaka—presents Shiva at the height of his ferocity, dancing upon the elephant’s severed head while cloaking himself in its flayed hide. This association gives rise to the epithet Krittivasa, “the one clothed in hide,” underscoring both the ascetic and terrifying dimensions of Shiva as cosmic destroyer. The model captures this liminal instant after victory, where violence transforms into a charged, rhythmic dance.

Iconographically rare and reserved for Shiva’s combative manifestations, Gajasurasamhara is distinguished by the use of multiple arms—eight in this interpretation—each traditionally bearing weapons, ritual objects, or expressive mudras that amplify the sense of motion and divine power. Following prescriptions found in the Amshumadbhedagama, the elephant hide unfurls around Shiva like a prabhamandala, its tail rising behind his crown, while his body assumes the utkutikasana posture: one foot firmly planted on the elephant’s head, the other bent and lifted in dynamic balance. Celebrated in Pallava and Chola sculpture as one of the most energetic and dramatic Shaiva themes, this form emphasizes a muscular, kinetic body, here reinterpreted through a contemporary sculptural language while remaining rooted in classical South Indian iconographic tradition.

About the files in this pack:

The model is delivered in pre painted 3mf files. You will need an 8 colour AMS to replicate all the colours, but it will work with a 4 colour AMS as well if you merge few colours on the body. If you just want to print this in one colour, the STLs of the elephant, shiva and the base are here as separate files.

Assembly

Because of how Shiva's hands wrap around the elephant skin, you should first assemble Shiva and then press fit the figure onto the elephant-base

Filaments/Colours used in the model preview:

Arms: Blue

Upper Torso: Silver, Gold, Orange, Brown, Black, Blue or Silver,Orange,Blue & Brown

Lower/Lower Torso: Silver, blue, orange,Brown & Grey or Silver,Blue,Orange & Brown Arms with Shield and Trident: Silver, Blue, Brown, White

Base: Gold and Brown/Copper

Flayed Elephant: Grey, White, Black, Red

Head: Brown, Black, White, Blue

Happy printing!