Warriors, Servants, Protectors – What exactly was the purpose of sculptures of Dwarapalakas in ancient Hindu temples? What did their actions signify?
Have you ever wondered about those intricately carved sculptures on the doorways while you enter a temple?
They are known as Dwarapalakas, who are essentially the guardian deities of temple at the entrances. The name Dwarapalakas is a combination of two words – Dwaram and Palakas wherein Dwaram stands for door or entrance and Palakas for guardians (protectors).
They are the indomitable gatekeepers of the temple’s presiding deity. In other words, they are the servants of their masters, and their sole purpose is to protect them. As a rule, they are portrayed as massive and powerful warriors. In most temples, the Dwarapalakas are situated at the entrance to the temple and also at the gateway of sanctum sanctorum (garbha-griha).
Based upon spiritual scriptures like those of the Agamas, Shilpa Shastras, and Vastu Shastras, Dwarapalakas are carved with a deeper meaning in an effort to awaken the spiritual sense. The sculptures
were fashioned in such a way so as to warn people of their thoughts, deeds and actions while beginning their journey on a spiritual path.
Form of Dwarapalaka:
Shilpa Shastras that deal with temple-building architecture specify the type and look of the Dwarapalakas to be put at different points in the temple complex. In most cases, the form of a Dwarapalaka is usually seen with ferocious and fearsome face, fangs, huge eyes, showing mudras symbolic of their presence. They wear a Kirita mukuta, which is occasionally shown with a halo of flames. Usually, there are two mudras – hand gestures given to a sculpture of Dwarapalaka, namely, the Suchi mudra and the Tarjani mudra. The Suchi Mudra is projected by the index figure of either of the hands of Dwarapalakas directing towards the god or goddess inside the temple.
While the Tarjani mudra is depicted with fist closed with the index finger raised. The Tarjani mudra symbolizes the act of vigilance while entering a temple. It reminds the devotees to be careful of their thoughts and actions while entering a pious place. Some Dwarapalakas show the Vismaya hasta symbolising the compassionate nature of the temple deity.
The forms of these sculptures closely resemble to those of the main deity. They are four-handed and the attributes they carry vary based on the creed to which they belong. For instance, the Shaiva Dwarapalaka holds a trident, and a kettle drum in their upper hands while a Vaishnava Dwarapalaka would hold a conch and a discus in their upper hands. In most of the temples, almost all the offerings done to the chief deity is also offered to the Dwarapalakas. The mace is common for the Dwarapalakas of both the creeds, which is held in their lower left hand. They are shown as standing with one of their legs firmly placed on the ground while the other leg is lifted across the other leg and shown as resting upon the mace.
Why do temples need Dwarapalakas?
Typically envisioned as huge and robust warriors, Dwarapalakas are essentially semi-divine beings of a lesser class who constitute the retinue of the deity they serve. Their main function is to protect the temple’s energy and to remind pilgrims that they are in the presence of the divine. As a result, when approaching the main shrine, one should be mindful of any unwanted thoughts and before entering God’s abode and one
should seek permission from the Dwarapalakas by praying to them in their hearts.
They are a reflection of the governing deity’s might, virtue, and splendour as shown through their costumes, weaponry, insignia or symbols. People are warned to act correctly through their finger movements and their eyes. In each case, the Dvarapalas are somehow linked to their principal deity through a Purana legend.
In Hinduism, each sect – Shaiva, Vaishnava & Shakti – have their own Dwarapalakas. For instance, JayaVijaya are Dwarapalakas of Vishnu; similarly Nandi – Mahakala and Shankanidhi-Padmanidhi are Dwarapalakas of Shiva and Shakti respectively.
So the next time you visit a temple, pay close attention to these temple soldiers, and the formidable spirit they exude through their eyes and gestures.
Bibliography:
1. Achari, Ramanujan Rama – Hindu Iconology
2. https://deccanviews.wordpress.com/2021/02/11/dwarapalakas-images-from-hindu-temples/
3. Dr. Manoj, G – Temple Architecture of South India