Dvarapala to the Left of the Garbhagriha
Situated on the left side (i.e., east) of the garbhagriha (inner sanctum), this large weathered sculptural relief depicts a dvarapala flanked by a dwarf attendant (Shiva’s gana) on either side.
The upper portion of the relief is more heavily damaged than the lower section. The dvarapala stands elegantly in a tribhaṅga posture and holds a long rope-like object, possibly a serpent, in his right hand. Notice the gana on the left: he stands with a stern expression and folded hands, while a naga with a raised hood encircles his waist. In contrast, the gana on the right stands in a more relaxed posture, although his head is missing.
The corridor on the right is the pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path) that surrounds the garbhagriha. It emerges on the opposite side of the sanctum, where a similar sculptural relief depicting another dvarapala is carved beside the corridor entrance. When viewed from the front of the shrine, the garbhagriha appears guarded by two large dvarapalas standing on either side, separated by the narrow passage used by devotees to perform pradakshina (circumambulation) around the sanctum.
Explore More About Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– Elephanta Main Cave (Cave 1), Elephanta Main Cave Ground Plan
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– The Smaller Caves of Elephanta: Caves 2, 3, 4, and 5
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves
Explore Badami Caves
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
Copyright © 2026 by YatrikaOne. All rights reserved.
