### 📜 Overview
The term "कोकमुख" (kokamukha) refers to a specific legend or description in Sanskrit literature with the meaning "wolf-faced," often associated with the goddess Durgā. This term highlights specific attributes or forms of deities in Hindu mythology and showcases the rich tapestry of mythological narratives.

### 🗣️ Pronunciation Guide
Ko-ka-mu-kha (stress on "mu")

### 🧠 Grammatical Profile
- **Word Type:** Noun
- **Gender:** Masculine (m)
- **Root (धातु):** The root is "कोक" (koka) meaning 'wolf' combined with "मुख" (mukha) meaning 'face.'
- **Compound (समास):** It is a compound word formed from "कोक" (koka) + "मुख" (mukha), indicating a face resembling that of a wolf.

### 📖 Meanings
1. **Primary & Core Meanings (from Dictionaries):**
   - Wolf-faced; associated with the goddess Durgā (Monier-Williams).

2. **Extended or Figurative Meanings (from Dictionaries):**
   - The term embodies the fierce and protective nature often attributed to divine figures like Durgā in her various forms, reflecting the complexity of her character in mythology.

3. **Additional Meanings:**
   - In broader contexts, "कोकमुख" can symbolize ferocity, strength, and the protective nature of a deity, often used in literary descriptions of goddesses in battle.

### 🏗️ Etymology & Word Formation
The word "कोकमुख" is derived from two components:
- **Root (धातु):** "कोक" (koka), meaning 'wolf'.
- **Suffix (प्रत्यय):** "मुख" (mukha), meaning 'face'.
The combination creates a composite word that literally translates to 'wolf-faced,' and it draws upon traditional imagery in Hindu scriptures to depict fierce divine figures.

### 🌐 Comparative Linguistics
- **Hindi:** कोक (kok) - meaning 'wolf,' retains the original association of fierceness.
- **Bengali:** কোক (kok) - meaning 'a ravenous animal,' similar in sound and thematic connection.
- **Tamil:** கொக்கு (kokku) - meaning 'bird,' is phonetically akin, though it diverges in meaning.
- **Telugu:** కొక్కు (kokku) - meaning 'fowl,' reflects the phonetic structure but differs significantly in meaning.

### ✍️ Usage Examples
1. **From Dictionary Entries:**
   - Original: "कोकमुख" (Durgā)
   - Citation: (Monier-Williams)
   - Translation: Referring to the goddess Durgā as 'wolf-faced' indicative of her fierce protection.

2. **Additional Examples (General Knowledge):**
   - "दुर्गा कोकमुखा चित्तवृत्तिं दुर्योधनाय पादयामास।"
   - Translation: "Durgā, the wolf-faced, brought the mind under control for Duryodhana." This illustrates the philosophical aspect of divine beings guiding action.

### 🖼️ Visual or Cultural Context
In Hindu mythology, "कोकमुख" vividly illustrates the fierce aspect of the goddess Durgā, who is often depicted riding a lion or tiger, embodying power and ferocity, particularly during the battle against demons. This representation makes it significant in cultural practices associated with the worship of Durgā during festivals like Navaratri, where elaborate rituals and icons are based on her various forms.

### ↔️ Dictionary Variations
The dictionary entry from Monier-Williams provides a specific association with Durgā, while other dictionaries may not highlight this connection or phrasing in the description, focusing instead on more general meanings. However, the imagery and context remain consistent across sources in representing the fierce nature attributed to deities.

### 🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
- **Synonyms:** वृषमुख (vṛṣamukha) - bull-faced, representing another fierce aspect of divinity.
- **Antonyms:** सौम्य (saumya) - gentle or mild, representing the opposite characteristics of divinity.
- **Related Words:** मुख (mukha) - face, commonly used in various contexts within Sanskrit literature.

INTERMEDIATE, Sanskrit to English, Cologne Edition

कोक—मुख mf(आ)n. wolf-faced (Durgā), MBh. vi, 800.


कोकमुख (kokamukha)

Monier Williams Cologne