Keerthi Mukha is the sculpted face known for its brutal and dreadful visage. Often found in a Shiva Temple, this kind of sculpture of the face goes back to early Hindu temple architecture. It acts as a harbinger to fend off evil energies and guard against sacred places. https://mydivinesutra.com/blogs/blogs/keerthi-mukha-the-fierce-guardian-of-shiva-temples