Dvarpalas in Hinduism

 Hello Everyone !!!

A Dvarapala or Dvarapalaka is a door or gate guardian often portrayed as a warrior or fearsome giant, usually armed with a weapon.

Some Facts about them :

  • They guard entrances of holy sanctums and are generally armed with staff, mace or staff with hooded snake/ skull.
  • The dvarpalas of Vishnu temple are - Chanda & Prachanda, Dhatru & Vidhatru, Jaya & Vijaya, Bhadra & Subhadra.
  • The dvarpalas of Shiva temple are - Nandi & Mahakala, Herambha & Bhringi, Durmukh & Pandura, Sita & Asita.
  • The dvarpalas of Brahma temple are - Herambha & Bhringi.

Mentioned in Scriptures :

  • Dvarpala is known by sword hanging by his side, holds a staff in his hand, does not look very mild and his dress is not too conspicuous.     (Vishnu-dharmottara Purana III.42.1-84)

 

Thanks for Reading !!!

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