Image title: Figure 359. Dvarapalaka Jayan

This is the sculpture of Dvarapalaka Jayan. Dvarapalakas are two sentinels whose jobs are to stand at the entrance and keep watch. One should get the permission mentally from Dvarapalakas, before entering the temple.If their names are known, one should spell the name and say ' Namonamah ' one by one. The names depend on the Agama Sastra which is followed. Arcaka (Priest) should get permission from Dwarapalaka while opening the respective gate. Bali (Prasada Naivedyam [Naivedya]) should be offered to Dvarapalakas along with other Parivara Devatas after main deities. Arghyam [Arghya], Padyam [Padya], Acamanam [Acamana], etc. are also to be done to Dvarapalakas.

Gallery information:

Kumbakonam is considered as one of the holiest places in Tamil Nadu and is known for its temples and Mathas (monasteries which were centres of Brahmanical learning). These photographs depict the connection between the sculptures in the temples and Natya Shastra and related texts dealing with iconography.