The myth of Kritimukha originates in ancient Hindu scriptures, especially the Shiva Purana. In mythology, a demon named Rahu, who was extremely powerful, had created a giant creature to kill Lord Shiva. But when the creature came face to face with Shiva, it immediately prostrated before the divine power. Impressed by the humility of the creature, Lord Shiva instructed it to eat its own body as penance. The beast complied willingly, leaving behind only its face. This face was then blessed and renamed Kritimukha by Shiva, representing total surrender, defense, and self-cleansing.
The Kritimukh

The Kritimukha, a powerful and symbolic face in Indian art and culture, represents protection, transformation, and the balance of good and evil. Found in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, this fierce motif is often depicted as a guardian figure in temples and sacred spaces, warding off negative forces. With its roots in mythological stories, the Kritimukha symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, reminding devotees of the divine protection available to them. This article explores the significance, symbolism, and enduring legacy of the Kritimukha face in Indian spiritual