This ferocious looking pendant has the head of Kirtimukha - a fierce protector in Tibetan Hinduism. His likeness is often found above doors and cornices with beads in his mouth, to ward off all dangers. He is similar to Chhepu, another protective Tibetan diety who appears only as a head. Instead of beads in his mouth like Kirtimukha, however, Chhepu will have a snake (naga), which is his preferred meal. This brass pendant is a contemporary piece, handcrafted in Nepal with a Turuqoise stone. Fair Trade item.

 

ABOUT Kirtimukha:

  Kirtimukha, the face of glory, appears as a head without a body. He originates from Tibetan Hinduism, where it is believed that he was created by a blaze from Shiva’s third eye to avenge a wrong. He was so set on his distructive mission, that when a merciful Shiva called off his demon from attacking at the last minute, Kirtimukha devours his own body until only his head remains. A ferocious protector, the image of Kurtimukha’s head often embellishes armor, shields, and weapons. He regularly appears over Temple doorways, arches and pillar cornices in Tibet and Nepal, with strings of beads of in his mouth, assigned there by an appreciative Shiva as the ferocious protector of entry ways.

 

Measurements:

    Size = 1-7/8 inches x 1-5/8 inches (1 nch = 2.54 cm)

    Weight = 0.8 oz