The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s4.48

v2.c11.s4.48

The dragon, the Serpent component of the Kīrttimukha has no chin. The majority of Kīrttimukhas on Indian temples are without lower jaws.⁸⁹ Thus Vṛtra is described (RV. V. 45. 6) the All-coverer, who has neither hand nor foot (RV. I. 32. 7). The missing lower jaw is a more forcible representation than the open mouth, of out-breathing, sending forth, emitting the breath of life. Could the mouth be closed the progression of life would be at an end. Thus, a consecrated person should smile with his mouth shut, so that he may retain his intellectual fire (tejas; ‘Taittirīya Āraṇyaka’, V. I. 4). Vṛtra, however, who has in himself splendour (‘Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa’, XX. 15. 6), who enveloped the world (‘Tait. Saṃh.’ II. 4. 12. 2) when as yet there was no distinction of being and non-being, life and death, day and night (RV. VIII. 100. 7) and who is wealthy, “comprehends within him all gods, all knowledge and all oblations” (Vāj. S. X. 5. 2), breathes out his splendour, wealth and sovereignty (cf. RV. I. 80. 6) into manifestation.⁹⁰ This was when his jaw had been smitten by Indra’s bolt; manifestation came forth from the smitten Dragon, the Enveloper, at the moment of his death. This Death does not die (Ś.B. X. 5. 2. 3); it is a condition and ever renewed accompaniment of manifestation : it is immortal like Rāhu’s head itself which is Death’s open secret.