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Oppiliappan List Archive: Message 00004 Apr 2005

 
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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?

 

Dasan
krishnaswamy m.k.

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