Impact on Architecture

But the demon stood there, starving because he was made solely to feed, and he asked, “Now that you’ve released that yogi, what am I supposed to do?” Shiva had already slowed down and ordered, “Eat yourself.”

The demon then began to gobble himself up before Shiva could turn around and gaze at him. When he glanced at him, he saw that his entire body had vanished, leaving only his face and two arms.

“How quickly did you eat yourself up? You are the most glorious face, you are above all gods” Shiva asked, looking at him. Shiva and other adi yogi recongnised that the one who eats himself up or the one who makes nothing out of himself. He is the most glorious face of the planet because you do not carry this life as a burden.

Kirti is derived from the Sanskrit root krit, meaning ‘celebrating, praising’. Mukha means ‘face’. Kirti in Sanskrit also means ‘temple’. The Kirtimukha or ‘Face of Glory’, is a ferocious monster face with protruding eye-balls, huge fangs and gaping mouth found in temple architecture allover Asia. The Kirthimukha is a protector deity, a guardian warding the edifices off all evils. ‘The body of the monster was lean and emaciated, symbolising its insatiable hunger, yet its strength was resilient and irresistible. The Vapparition’s throat roared like thunder; eyes burnt like fire; the mane, dishevelled, spread far and wide into space.’