Shiva as Yamāntaka, Destroyer of Yama

Yamantaka is one of the several forms of Shiva. According to popular legend, Sage Mrikunda & wife Manasvini for long time couldn't conceive child thus they performs penance to please Shiva. After several days Shiva appears in front of them & grants them a boon. Shiva says, "You will either get 100 fool children who will live longer or 1 Brilliant child who will live only for 16 years". Couple chooses a brilliant one & thus Shiva blesses them with One brilliant child. Couple names child as Markandeya. After child finishes his 16 years, Yama- Lord of Death appears in front of him, frightened child Markandeya starts pleading Shiva and Shiva emerges & attacks Yama. Yama says, "I am just doing my duty" then Shiva grants boon to Child Markandeya that he won't grow older than 16 & thus saves the day.

This sculpture is carved on Ambarnath shiva temple. In ancient times. Temple was the centre of Education & lessons were taught through various stories by carving protagonist deity on temple walls. This story subtly promotes the message that, 'having one brilliant child is better than having 100 fool children.'

Image has faced wrath of time but whatever has survived is vivid enough to depict the picture of how values were being taught through stories in ancient times.