Kirtimukha

The worship of yakshas and ganas and other folk deities constitutes the most important part of the primitive religious beliefs, in which 'Bhakti' had a very conspicuous part to play. Early literature as well as archaeology supplies us with ample evidence about the prevalence of this form of worship among the people.

This terrible looking mask with animalistic ears and horns is once again, Shiva's favourite. The tale of its creation goes like this: Once, infuriated by a yaksha's insolence, Shiva created an ogre to eat him alive. The yaksha begged for mercy and Shiva, whose temper falls faster than it rises, let him go. "But what about me?", asked the ogre who had just been created. "I was created to eat the yaksha. What will I eat now? I am still hungry". "Eat yourself", said Shiva casually. The ogre took Shiva's word seriously and began eating himself. He ate his hands, his legs his trunk, he ate every part of his body and was left with only his head.

Shiva was amazed at the ogre's obedience. He said, "I'm pleased with you. Henceforth, you will be known as Kirtimukha, face-of-glory. Your face will be seen on every arch, located even above the gods."

So it is, that on every arch, in every temple and shrine, on the arches one finds the terrible yet blessed face of Shiva's gana, Kirtimukha. It is the perfect symbol of life, feeding on itself for survival.

This description by Renu Rana.