Kirtimukha

[Guest guest]

Dear Devotees,

 

We have all seen this image in our temples. What does it signify?

In his book "Myths to Live By", Joseph Campbell tells an interesting

story from Hindu mythology which is highly symbolic of the devilish

nature of the ego-self in us that we all have to overcome:

(http://home.comcast.net/~surfings/Cogitation/DevilsMask.htm ); he

refers to the figure as as Kirtimukha.

 

Kirtimukha is represented as a face personifying ferocity with

protruding eye-balls, stout horns, wide opened mouth suggesting a

roar and canine teeth protruding out of it. This terrifying face of

Kirtimukha stares at us everywhere in our temples -- on the ramparts,

the Gopurams and even from the center of the arch over the idol that

we worship in the Sanctum Sanctorium. The face is perhaps symbolic of

our thoughtless pursuit of worldly possessions and pleasures even at

the cost of damaging and destroying ourselves.

The intention behind placing this figure ubiquitously in our temples

may be to remind us constantly : "You know this face very well; it is

the likeness of your own mind with its unbridled passions and

aggressive desires. Like this demon, you too have a voracious,

unlimited appetite for wealth, power, glory and the pursuit of

pleasure. You have become acquisitive, arrogant and cruel even like

the demon's nature. You have to be truly aware of this and of the

raging fire residing in you which is consuming you. Put out this

fire before it is too late. Only then can you really see/experience

the Lord in the idol whom you have come to worship, and realize true

happiness and Bliss."

The account given by Joseph Campbell seems to be taken from

Sivapuranam. Since the image appears in all temples, including Sri

Vaishnava temples, what is the original source and significance of

this image?

Dasankrishnaswamy m.k.

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