Thanks to sri srinivasa rao

Architecture

For instance the four pairs of Dvarapalas of Vishnu are (i) Chanda and Prachanda ;( ii) Dhatru and
Vidhatru; (iii) Jaya and Vijaya; and (iv) Bhardra and Subhadra. The first named in each pair stands to
the right of the doorway; and the other to the left.

Similarly, the Dvarapalas of Shiva are (i) Nandi and Mahakala (to the East) ;( ii) Herambha and Bhringi
(to the South); (iii) Durmukha and Pandura (to the West) and(iv) Sita and Asita (to the North).

The Brahma too is said have four sets of Dvarapalas facing four directions: Satya-Dharma;
Priyodbhava – Yajna; Vijaya – Yajnabhadra; and, Sarvakamada – Vibhava.

The Dvarapalas of Skanda are named as Sudeha and Sumukha. They are said to be Brahmin brothers;
but , are depicted with four arms.

The four doors of Ganapathi temple are guarded by four sets of Dvarapalas : Avijna – Vijnaraja (East )
; Suvakthra – Balavan (South ) ; Gajakarna – Gokarna (West ) ; and , Susoumya (Soumya ) –
Shubadayaka (Abhaya ) on the North. They are titled as Ashta-Prathihari (retinue of eight guards).
All of them are short statured having cruel looks and carrying fearsome weapons.

Along with the Dvarapalas their subordinates are depicted in minor relief at on the base of the
images.

4.3. The pairs of Dvarapalas guarding the temple and placed in its exterior (at the entrances) are
larger in size and more ferocious or threatening in appearance , with a “dare not enter” look to their
faces and gestures , perhaps to keep away the evil influences. The Dvarapalas flanking the doorway
to the sanctum are comparatively modest.

The Dwarapalas in the Hoysala temples are particularly graceful with ornate jewellery to suit the
delicately carved interiors; gently holding lotuses as if inviting the devotee to God’s home.

While the Dvarapalas guard the doors of their deities, the Kshetrapala, on the other hand, guards
the entire temple –complex. The Kshetrapalas have broader functions; and , in hierarchy placed
higher than Dvarapalas.
The Kshetrapala are the protectors of a settlement, a village, a field or a temple. Kshetra literally
means a field or specifically a field of activity (In a broader sense the body is the Kshetra the field;
and the one who resides in it as the Antaryamin is kshetrajna).

Kshetrapalas are basically the folk guardian deities who are very popular in village cults. They are
entrusted with the task of safe guarding a Kshetra (a village, a field or a temple) against dangers
coming from all the eight spatial directions. In the villages of South India Kshetrapalas are placed in
small temples or in open spaces outside of the village..Sometimes in the village open- courtyards
blocks of stone are designated and worshipped as Kshetrapala. They are offered worship on
occasions of important community celebrations.

In a major temple complex, particularly of Shiva, the Kshetrapala is provided a small shrine on the
North-East side within the temple courtyard for safeguarding the temple. Worship is offered to
Kshetrapala prior to important rituals, praying for efficient and safe conclusion of that ritual. The
Kshetrapala on the other hand have broader functions.

Kshetrapalas are installed and worshipped in Jain and Buddhist traditions also.

The Kshetrapalas are identified with Bhairava the terrible aspect of Shiva; as also with the ferocious
looking Veerabhadra the son of Shiva. . According to one legend Siva created Kshetrapala along with
others to organize the army of Kali when she went to fight the demon Daruka.

In the Sri Vishvanatha temple at Kasi, the Kshetrapala there also performs the function of Dvarapala,
to guard the Lord against impure elements.

When Kshetrapala attends to Mahakala, the Lord of death who resides in the burning Ghats, it is
said, Kshetrapala wearing a skull cup, holding a chopper, rides a black bear.