Kirtimukha is a prominent motif in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain architecture, often used to embellish the entrances of temples and palaces. The term Kirtimukha is derived from the Sanskrit words Kirti meaning glory and Mukha meaning face, and it is commonly referred to as the face of glory. The Kirtimukha is typically depicted as a fearsome creature with a gaping mouth, sharp teeth, and large, bulging eyes. It is often adorned with intricate floral and foliage designs, and its wings are sometimes depicted as those of a bird. The Kirtimukha is believed to have originated as a protective symbol, meant to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. It is also associated with the concept of rebirth and is believed to represent the cycle of life and death. In Hinduism, the Kirtimukha is often associated with Lord Shiva, who is believed to have tamed the creature and made it his vehicle. The Kirtimukha is also commonly found in Southeast Asian art and architecture, particularly in Indonesia and Cambodia. In these regions, it is often referred to as Tiang Bali and is believed to have protective powers. In Indonesia, the Kirtimukha is often depicted as a fierce creature with multiple faces and is used to adorn the entrances of temples and other sacred buildings. Overall, the Kirtimukha is a powerful and significant symbol in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain art and architecture. Its fearsome appearance and protective powers make it a popular motif for adorning the entrances of temples and other sacred buildings, and its association with Lord Shiva and the cycle of life and death give it deep spiritual significance.
Hinduism, Lord Shiva, rebirth, Southeast Asia, protection
CITATION : "John Thompson. 'Kirtimukha.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=291332 (Accessed on July 18, 2025)"
Kirtimukha is a noun derived from Sanskrit. It is a symbolic beast-monster sculpture that is often found at the entrance of temples in India and Southeast Asia. As a morphological root, Kirtimukha is composed of two constituents: 'Kirti' meaning fame, glory, and 'Mukha' meaning face. Synonyms for the word Kirtimukha include 'Lalatabimba' (Sanskrit) and 'Tiang Bali' (Indonesian). Antonyms for the word include 'Himsa', Sanskrit for violence, and 'Marakata', Sanskrit for emerald. Cognates of the word include 'Kirtimati', a personal name derived from the word, and 'Kirtiksha', a Sanskrit word meaning fame or glory. Variants of the word include 'Kirtimat', 'Kirtimukhah', and 'Kirti-mukha'.
Etymology morphology Kirtimukha Sanskrit symbol beast-monster sculpture India Southeast Asia root fame face synonyms antonyms cognates variants Lalatabimba Indonesian Himsa violence Marakata emerald Kirtimati Kirtiksha Kirtimat Kirtimukhah Kirti-mukha.
The word Kirtimukha originates from the ancient Sanskrit language. It is a compound word and the literal meaning of the word is 'the one with the face of glory'. In the morphology of the word, Kirtimukha is derived from two other words – 'Kirti' and 'Mukha' – which literally translates to 'glory' and 'face', respectively. This compound also has several powerful implications relating to cultural and spiritual values as seen within the context of Indian traditions. It is believed that the face of Kirtimukha is the origin of knowledge, and it is a visual representation of the purity and grandeur of the ancient gods. From an etymological perspective, the word is seen as a symbol of power and protection, and it is believed to provide wisdom and guidance to those who seek it.
Etymology, Morphology, Kirtimukha, Sanskrit, Pragmatics, Indian Traditions.
Kirtimukha, or face of glory, is a mythical creature depicted in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain art. It is characterized by a wide gaping mouth and large, fierce-looking eyes. Its broad face typically consists of three parts; the central part which resembles a moustache, the upper part with a crown and the lower part with a beard. In Hinduism, it is considered as a powerful, protective symbol and is often found on temple walls, carved on doors and pillars. In Buddhist and Jain art, it is typically depicted as a flying creature with four, five or even multiple faces.
Some other words used to refer to Kirtimukha are 'Kirttimukha' ('Rakshasa Muka'), 'Bhutamukha', 'Bhomimukha', 'Chandi Mukh', 'Ghoramukha', 'Shaivamukha', 'Vanaramukha', '
Kirtimukha is an ornamental motif in Hindu and Buddhist architecture, especially in South India. It is an impressive and eye-catching feature that is often used to adorn doorways, walls, columns, and ceilings in traditional temple and palace buildings. The motif consists of a large face or mask with a wide-open mouth and an extended tongue. It is often depicted with multiple eyes and wings of a bird, adorned with floral designs and foliage around the face and throath. The design appears to be intimidating, with a stern and frightening expression intended to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
Kirtimukha, Hindu sculptures, Hindu architecture, Indian art, temple designs.
We have 216.552 Topics and 472.818 Entries and Kirtimukha has 5 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Kirtimukha today.