India, Oct. 30 -- By Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik - Author, Speaker, Illustrator, Mythologist

On the top of many Hindu temples, one finds the image of a head looking down on the people below - his eyes protruding from its sockets, his mouth wide open, his tongue out. This is called the Kirtimukha, the Head of Glory or Vajramukha, the Eternal Head.

There are many stories to explain its origins. The most popular is that of a goblin who was created by Shiva to kill demons. But when the demons apologised, Shiva forgave them.

Now, the goblin was hungry and asked the lord for food. Shiva said, "Why don't you eat your own body?" The creature began eating his hands, legs and body, until there was nothing left. Impressed by his obedience, Shiva declar...