In Hindu Temples, the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha) is the innermost sanctuary where the main Deity resides.
When you closely look at any Hindu temple, you notice various sculptures with different poses and these are not decorative pieces, they are carved based on spiritual scriptures to awake the spiritual senses.
One of the interesting sculptures is that of Dwarapalakas. (divine gatekeepers)
Traditionally they appear in pairs.
In the image above you can see the two gentlemen (Mandodara and Gundodara) standing on either side of the main door. They act as dwarapalakas.
The main deity here is Lord Ganesha residing in the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum)
Who are these Dwarapalakas?
Dwarapalakas are two guardian Deities.
These statues differ from temple to temple based on the main Deity.
They are seen in a standing pose.
They may appear calm, pleasing or ferocious or even with fearsome faces, with fangs
What do they do?
The dwarapalakas protect the energy of the temple.
They also remind the devotees that this is the place of God, and one’s thoughts should be pure as they enter the temple.
Before entering the abode of God one should take permission from them with prayers in their heart.
Readers with knowledge of Hindu Deities can throw more light on the role of Dwarapalakas in the comment box and help me to enrich further.
“I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness”
Psalm 84:10
Thank you for your visit.
Take care, my friend.
Namaste 🙏🙏🙏
Philo
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Image by © PTP-2022 All Rights Reserved
This post is part of John.S’s CELLPIC SUNDAY photo challenge. The above image is taken with oneplus 6 mobile camera.
Source-Hinduismoutllook.com
Philosophy Through Photography 
I hope this is not insulting, they look like a lot of fun =D
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Absolutely not my friend.
This is how ancient Indian arts in the form of sculptures and paintings are depicted.
They range from simple to pleasant to strange to fearsome to nude.
And for some they appear funny and silly.
For each appearance of the statue explanations are given as to why they should look like this.
We do feel the same when we visit foreign countries and come across similar arts.
After all art is art and based on the taste of artists depending on the period the art was made.
Thanks my friend.
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To be fair, I know very little of the Hindu religion, but I find it interesting that somewhere before I have seen the faces of the two guards. Interesting! Thanks for sharing, Philo.
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Perfectly fine John.
It’s impossible to know details of any religion.
The idea of my post is to bring awareness of ancient architecture and sculptures from India and their significance.
Thanks once again for the inspiration.
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