In Indian culture, the Kirtimukha is a decorative motif on Hindu temples, often placed over doorways. Its function was to serve as a protection, to ward off evil spirits (a threshold guardian, an element common to beliefs in many different cultures). The Kirtimukha is a hostile-looking demon face, often bearing horns, fangs, bulging eyes, and a gaping mouth. It is often known as ‘the Face of Glory’. In Sanskrit, Kirti means “glory” and mukha means “face, mask”.