Why Kirtimukha?

Thus 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.”

What is Yali animal?

Yali is derived from Vyala or Vidala in Sanskrit is a mythical creature seen in many Indian temples, often sculpted onto the pillars. It may be portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse, and in similar shapes.

Where do you put Kirtimukha?

Ideal to place above the door of your House, in Home , Living Room, Temple,Hotel and Office. Great for Spritual and Religious gifting purpose, wedding gift, Birthday Gift, Diwali and festival gifts, House warming and new ventures etc.

What is Prabhavali?

The Prabhavali or Prabhai is the most important accent to an idol which mimics the aura of the presiding deity it shadows and gives it a powerful stance and an air of supreme divinity.

What is a Leogryph?

Yali. Yali, also known as Vyala or Sarabham or Vidala in Sanskrit, is a mythical creature seen in many Hindu temples, often sculpted onto the pillars. It is called as Leogryph in English. Yali is a motif in Indian art and it has been widely used in south Indian sculpture.

What is a Vyala?

vyala, also called sardula, popular motif in Indian art, consisting of a composite leonine creature with the head of a tiger, elephant, bird, or other animal, frequently shown in combat with humans or pouncing upon an elephant.

What is the significance of Prabhavali?

Why is Prabhavali used?

Why did Shiva make the kirtimukha of Rahu?

A Lingayat legend tells us that after killing Hiranyakasipu (Simhika’s brother; hence Rahu’s uncle) Narsimha had turned arrogant. To stop him for causing further destruction, Shiva killed Narasimha, and out of the severed head of Narasimha, Shiva made the kirtimukha.

What is kirtimukha?

As Zimmer writes, “Kirtimukha serves primarily as an apotropaic demon-mask, a gruesome, awe-inspiring guardian of the threshold.” This face is sometimes confused with another sculptural element, the lion face ( Simhamukha).

What is the significance of kirtikukha in Indian temples?

Article explains the meaning and significance of Kirtikukha in Indian temples. They are found in Hindu and Jain temples, in Bodh Gaya Temple too. One of the most intriguing and a common feature among the Hindu temple adornments is the Face of Glory or Kirtimukha.

What is the significance of the kirtimukha mask?

In the mask of the Kirtimukha, the breath that gives power and splendor belongs to the simha mukha with its blazing eyes. Behind this visible face is the sun or the Eye of the All (as per Rig Veda), where “behind the Death’s head, the mask is inflated with breath, the outbreathing of the Supreme which is and makes the world.”