Dvarapala

Wrathful demons tamed and converted to the prevailing faith are a regular feature of temple entrances. Their apparent demonic nature, witnessed by their wild countenance - wide flaring eyes, projecting fangs and coarse features – make them most suitable for their role as guardians of the temple threshold. They typically stand in a casual, passive posture, perhaps leaning on their weapon of choice, a massive club, or, as in this example, the figure is highly animated, having assumed a pose borrowed from theatre and temple dance. It is a fearsome posture, intended to strike fear into the hearts of the disbelievers.