Significance of Doorkeeper
In Jainism, the term Doorkeeper encompasses various roles and responsibilities associated with guarding entrances and facilitating access. This includes individuals who inform important figures, like the Priyangusundari to Vrishni's son, and guardians barring unauthorized entry. The concept also extends to metaphorical interpretations, representing humility and service. Additionally, it includes divine beings and attendants responsible for protecting sacred spaces and managing access, highlighting a significant role in the religious and cultural contexts of safeguarding and authority.
Synonyms: Gatekeeper, Guardian, Porter, Guard, Watchman
In Dutch: Portier
In Finnish: Ovenvartija
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Doorkeeper'
In Buddhism, the term "Doorkeeper" can be interpreted as a facilitator managing access to Salavati's pretense of illness and acting as a communicator between Jivaka Komarabhacca and the merchant's wife concerning medical matters.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) An individual tasked to manage access to Salavati, helping her maintain her pretense of being ill.[1] (2) The individual responsible for communication between Jivaka Komarabhacca and the merchant's wife regarding the doctor's visit.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Doorkeeper'
In Hinduism, "Doorkeeper" symbolizes various guardian roles, including deities and attendants managing divine entrances. They ensure protection and order, reflecting authority and service within sacred spaces, as illustrated through rituals and mythological narratives.
From: Padma Purana
(1) A guardian figure at the gates of the divine premises, often representing various aspects of the divine.[3] (2) The roles assumed by Vishnudasa and King Cola after their transformations, indicating their elevated status as devotees in service to Vishnu.[4] (3) A figure in the narrative who appears before the king of demons, described as wearing a bright silken garment and acting with respect.[5] (4) Gatekeepers who prevent unauthorized entry, illustrating the hierarchy and security present in Shiva's abode.[6] (5) Individuals tasked with serving or guarding access, called upon to bring Shatrughna to Raghunatha.[7]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A group of kneeling figures protecting the gates of Krishna’s mansion, each bearing names that signify their divine utility.[8] (2) Guardians placed at various directions to protect the abode of Krishna from intruders.[9]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A title assumed by Ganesha as he guards the entrance, opposing the Ganas of Shiva.[10] (2) The role designated to Kirtimukha as he is appointed to guard Shiva's entrance.[11]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Describes the noun dauvarikah formed with the affix thak.[12] (2) Deities Sugriva and Pushpadanta, worshipped in two squares with offerings of barley grains and a clump of grass respectively.[13]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The role that Hari takes on, guarding Bali's residence in Sutala.[14]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A servant responsible for managing the entrance to the courtyard and conveying messages.[15]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The role Vishnu promises to take on, serving Bali in Patala, representing loyalty and service.[16]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The individual who informs the Yadavas about the arrival of Shri Narada.[17] (2) pratiharibhih, acting as guards that prevented the narrator from entering by using canes.[18] (3) The individual who brought the news of Shri Narada’s arrival to Dharmaraja.[19] (4) Those appointed to guard the entrances, responsible for informing superintendents about arrivals.[20]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Those who serve as guardians or attendants at the entrance.[21] (2) Individuals who guard or manage access to a particular location[22] (3) The guardians or attendants at the entrance who facilitate access to the inner sanctum.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A title for Govinda indicating his role in protecting and safeguarding, particularly of Gaurasundara.[24] (2) Individuals who guard entrances, specifically in a temple context, to maintain order and protect sacred spaces.[25]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Gatekeepers who control access, often involved in the espionage process by observing and relaying information.[26]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) An official responsible for the security and entry management of important locations.[27]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) The role represented in paintings by a pratihara, depicted with a staff and sword to delineate their function.[28] (2) Statues that should be placed in a temple as described in the Brihatsamhita, symbolizing guardianship and protection.[29]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) The characters Shonottara and Vijaya, who serve as doorkeepers in the drama.[30]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Servants or attendants who manage the entrance and access to the assembly hall.[31]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) Individuals employed to manage the entrances of palatial buildings, reflecting the security and grandeur of the residences.[32]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Individuals known as kshattas responsible for guarding entrances.[33]
Jain concept of 'Doorkeeper'
In Jainism, the Doorkeeper symbolizes access and protection, representing roles such as guiding royal entry, managing access to divine presence, and illustrating humility and duty in the context of authority and service.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Different gods stationed at the gates, each with unique characteristics.[34] (2) A person responsible for access to the Lord, whom Bharata called upon to inquire about the Master.[35] (3) Guardians of the entrance who barred the false Sugriva from entering.[36] (4) A minor character that illustrates the themes of serving others and the consequences of neglecting one’s duties.[37] (5) Individuals assigned with the task of managing access to Krishna's home, particularly important during the rainy season.[38]
The concept of Doorkeeper in local and regional sources
Doorkeeper, derived from 'Pratihara,' signifies a guardian role, embodying the administrative responsibilities of ancestral dynasties while also representing palace servants tasked with enforcing access rules against intruders.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Servants assigned to guard the entrance to the palace, responsible for enforcing rules against intruders.[39]
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) The literary meaning of the term 'Pratihara,' indicating the role of guarding or serving, which reflects the administrative function of the dynasty's ancestors.[40]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Dwarapalaka, a carved figure situated on either side of shrine entrances, serving a protective and decorative purpose.[41]