This sculpture represents Shiva, the Hindu god called the destroyer. He is crowned with a diadem of skulls, his face is bearded, and his open lips display a mouthful of teeth. As he lunges, his two complete hands hold the hilt of a sword and a trisula (trident) upon which the writhing demon Andhaka is impaled. Andhaka was Shiva's evil son, said to be created from a drop of his sweat. Given away at birth due to his deformities, Andhaka was raised by the demon king Gold Eye. Upon Gold Eye's death Andhaka ascended the throne. A battle ensued between Shiva and Andhaka over Parvati (Shiva's consort and Andhaka's mother) during which Andhaka's blood threatened to spawn secondary demons from each drop that hit the ground. In the end, Shiva prevailed, and his victory is depicted in this sculpture.

Although some of Shiva's hands have broken off, it is likely they once held bowls to collect the drops of blood shed by Andhaka during the combat.