This legend relates to the slaying of the demon
Gajaasuran by Shiva. There are eight such legends portraying Shiva as the destroyer of
evil.
Gajaasuran, a demon who had the form of an elephant
(gaja) tormented the universe and terrified the gods and the humans. Continuing unchecked,
he proceded to attack Shiva's abode. A terrified Parvati beseeched Shiva to put an end to
the attrocity, and Shiva obliged by flaying the skin of the demon and wearing it as a
drape around him - and then danced the dance of victory.
A splendid bronze image of Gajasamhaaramurthy is held
in worship at Vazhuvoor near Mayiladuturai in
Tamilnadu. Vazhuvoor is one of the 8 Veeratta temples celebrating Shiva as the destroyer
of evil forces.
