An ambitious king, Jalandhara by name, by virtue of assiduously practicing yoga acquired such supernatural powers that he was able to overthrow the gods themselves in their heaven. In his hubris at this success he decided that Shiva's consort, Parvati, should properly be his queen. To this end he summoned forth a great demon, Rahu, the Seizer - whose more normal night time job was to catch the moon and eclipse it - to act as his emissary on this considerable errand. When Rahu confronted Shiva with his request the latter, unperturbed, let blast a flash of light from his third eye, conjuring forth a leonine headed emaciated demon which was non other than ravenous hunger incarnate. Rahu realising his probable fate if he were to confront this horror, cast himself upon Shiva's mercy and implored forgiveness. Appeased, Shiva granted him protection from the terrible monster who however now demanded from the god another victim that his hunger might be temporarily satiated. With the wit of a supreme godhead, Shiva suggest the monster eat himself, which he did until only his upper face remained. Shiva delighted by this act granted the vestigial terrifying face the compliment of:
You shall be known henceforth as Kirttimukha, Face of Glory, and shall abide forever at my door. No one who fails to worship you will ever obtain my grace.
Chinese face jug-tiger?
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