Kirtimukha
Kirtimukha (Sanskrit: कीर्तिमुख ,kīrtimukha, also kīrttimukha, a bahuvrihi compound translating to "glorious face") is the name of a swallowing fierce monster face with huge fangs, and gaping mouth, very common in the iconography of Hindu temple architecture in Nepal, India and Southeast Asia, and often also found in Buddhist architecture.[1] Unlike other Hindu legendary creatures, for example the makara sea-monster, the kirtimukha is essentially an ornamental motif in art, which has its origin in a legend from the Skanda Purana and the Shiva Purana.
Origin and characteristics
The Kirtimukha is often used as a motif surmounting the pinnacle of a temple or the image of a deity, especially in South Indian architecture. As Zimmer writes, "Kirtimukha serves primarily as an apotropaic demon-mask, a gruesome, awe-inspiring guardian of the threshold."[2] This face is sometimes confused with another sculptural element, the lion face (Simhamukha).[3] However, in order to be a Kirtimukha it has to be engaged in swallowing, for the Kirtimukha is the figure of the "all consuming"[4] This monstrous face with bulging eyes sits also as an embellishment over the lintel of the gate to the inner sanctum in many Hindu temples signifying the reabsorption that marks the entry into the temple.[5] In Dravidian architecture and elsewhere it tops gavaksha (kudu, nasi) motifs. Mostly it is only a face, indeed very often only the upper jaw and top of the face is visible, although in some places its arms are portrayed as well. The motif can also sometimes be found in Shiva's matted hair.[6] Some authors have compared the Kirtimukha with the Greek myth of Ouroboros.[7]
Gallery
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Kirtimukha at Amruteshvara temple in Annigeri, Dharwad district, Karnataka state, India
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Kirtimukha at Kasi Visveshvara temple in Lakkundi, Gadag district, Karnataka state, India
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Khmer Kirtimukha lintel at Vat Kralanh, Cambodia, Baphuon, Angkor style, 11th century
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Kirthimukha at Siddhesvara temple in Haveri, Karnataka state, India
See also
Notes
- ↑ "Yalli and Mukha". Retrieved 2007-02-25.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 182
- ↑ Robert Beer (2004). The Encyclopaedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs. Serindia Publications, Incorporated. ISBN 1-932476-10-5.
- ↑ Eckard Schleberger, Die indische Götterwelt
- ↑ Rohan Bastin, The Domain of Constant Excess: Plural Worship at the Munnesvaram Temples in Sri Lanka
- ↑ Zimmer, p. 182
- ↑ The Theosophical Society - The Predator, turning back on itself
