Suprabha and Nivatakavaca

Depicted are the nymph Suprabha and the demon Nivatakavaca (the spelling of the names varies greatly). Arjuna is urged by Indra to destroy Nivatakavaca, who is a threat to heaven. But he is invulnerable and a ruse is needed, which involves the nymph Suprabha. Suprabha seduces Nivatakavaca so that he reveals to her his only vulnerable spot, the tip of his tongue. Arjuna hears this secret and is thus able to kill Nivatakavaca in battle.
This is one of several versions of the story from the Mahabharata.
There is no doubt that the symmetrically arranged floral elements and the pleasing overall impression do not make this wall panel a progressive work of art. However, carvings that tell complex Hindu-mythological motifs deserve more attention than trivial illustrations with no deeper reference.
The workmanship of this carving here is certainly of a very good standard. The foreground plane of the picture is well detached from the background and the work is cleanly executed. The look corresponds to a very pretty, classic pattern.