KVPT’s Patan Darbar Earthquake Response Campaign - Work to Date - September 2016

timukha of the tympanum above Chusyabaha’s principle
entrance (1673) (fig. 5). With large glaring eyes,
fiery eyebrows and whiskers, the curled mane of the lion
framing the cheeks and a crescent on top the face follows
largely the ancient formula. New and unique is the
replacement of the horns by upright antlers. The arms
are not winged but turned upwards to clutch a pair of
snakes, the bodies of which are entwined with the bodies
of a pair of winged dragons, their claws clasping the
ocean’s pearl – an obvious reference to the Chinese tradition
of dragons that belong to the realm of the waters.
6
By the end of the 17th century, the depiction of Kirtimukha’s
face underwent one more decisive change.
Almost all facial elements such as eyes, nose, ears and
mouth are transformed into lotus vine or leaf-pattern. In
a few prominent cases at Musyabaha (fig. 6) or Laganbaha,
both in Kathmandu, teeth remain identifiable, and
horns supporting the crescent motif with lotus pattern.
The arms emerge from behind lotus scrollwork in an almost
inconspicuous fashion.
5
Kathmandu, Chusyabaha; Kirtimukha
on the tympanum above
the principal doorway, north wing,
dated to 1673.
6
Kathmandu, Musyabaha; Kirtimukha
on the jamb on the jamb
of the doorway, south wing, last
quarter of the 17th century.
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