The name Vishavarupa is understood as “universal form.” In this painting the viewer has the sense that the deity takes up all available space–the entire world is seen as divine. The female consort embraced by Shiva is in complete harmony with the mustached male god and appears to blend into her partner. The couple dances atop a dais supported by the lesser Hindu gods within an aureole of fire, surrounded by charnel ground scenes and other manifestations of the great god Shiva.