An Evil who is above even God,Unveiling the Mystical Kirti Mukha

The story of Kirtimukha begins when the asura king Jalandhara, who "by virtue of extraordinary austerities ... accumulated to himself irresistible powers." In a burst of pride, he sent forth his messenger, the monster Rahu, whose main task is eclipsing the moon, to challenge Shiva.

"The challenge ... was that Shiva should give up his shining jewel of a bride Parwati. Shiva's immediate answer was to explode a tremendous burst of power from his third eye, which created a horrendous, emaciated, ravenous lion. A terrified Rahu sought Shiva's mercy, which Shiva agreed to. In order to feed the ravenous lion, Shiva suggested that the creature should feed on the selfishness, greed, and attachment of humans. Shiva, who was pleased with the result, gave it the name "glorious face", and declared that it should always be at the door of his temples. Thus, the Kirtimukha is a symbol of Shiva himself.

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.

In the modern age, Kirtimukha, meaning "face of glory," remains a significant symbol in Hindu and South Asian culture, primarily representing a fierce guardian against negative energies, often depicted as a lion's face with a large open mouth, used to protect sacred spaces and entrances of homes, signifying both power and spiritual protection against evil forces, even as its artistic representation evolves in contemporary design elements.


The primary function of Kirtimukha is still seen as a guardian, warding off negative energies and evil spirits, making it a popular motif for doorways and entrances in homes and temples.
Due to its striking visual design, Kirtimukha is incorporated into modern art and architecture as a decorative element, adding a sense of grandeur and mystique.
Beyond its protective role, Kirtimukha can also represent the concept of transformation and the power of the divine, with its open mouth symbolizing the ability to consume negativity and bring about positive change.
Kirtimukha sculptures or images are often placed at the main entrance of homes to ward off negative energies.The motif is incorporated into jewelry pieces, particularly in South Asian communities, as a protective amulet.Kirtimukha patterns are sometimes used in clothing designs, particularly in ethnic wear, to signify cultural heritage.
Modern buildings may incorporate Kirtimukha designs into their facades or decorative elements to add a touch of cultural significance.

Kirtimukha, is a decorative motif that appears in many temples across India, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world: