Mask of Vaikuntha Vishnu, late 5th century. Learn more about 5th century masks
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An ornamental feature in Hindu temple architecture which lies over the entrance to the garbhagriha (the inner shrine). It literally means “parrot’s beak” and is part of the anatomic system of temple architecture, where it contains an image of the deity to whom the temple is dedicated. In southern India, it is often accompanied with the leonine head of kirtimukha on top.