Tripura (mythology)

Following the death of Tarakasura, who was killed by Kartikeya, his sons Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali, and Kamalaksha undertook severe penances by which they pleased Brahma.

Tarakasura's sons were thus reassured that they were safe, as it would be an extremely difficult task to destroy such impregnable cities, which aligned only momentarily, with but a single arrow.

After several years of joy, the inherent evil tendencies of the asuras surfaced once again and they began to oppress the good and torment the noble.

Even though Vidyunmali was slain by Nandi, and several other asuras were killed in the war, they were revived by water in the pool of Tripura, which had magical powers.

As for the weapon for the single shot: Mount Meru formed the bow and the serpent Vasuki the bowstring, Vishnu the arrow, Agni the arrowhead and Vayu the feather fletchings.

Heeding Brahma's wise counsel, Shiva duly took pity on the devas and shot the arrow into the already burning cities.

[2][3] Shiva immediately regretted his act, since he had forgotten to protect Mayasura, architect of the three cities and a great devotee of his.

Here, the five headed Tripurantaka is seen pointing an arrow towards the Tripura (rightmost top corner) with the bow made of mount Meru, the serpent Vasuki is seen as its string. The four headed god Brahma is seen. The moon and the Sun are depicted as the wheels of the chariot.