The celestial dvara-devi is said to be the doorkeeper of the heavens (‘dvara’ is the Sanskrt word for door). At the threshold of divine dwellings and ihalokiya (earthly) temples She stands, an epitome of beauty and harmony of form. The dvara-devi murti that you see on this page is of the youthful feminine form, the hands delicately joined in the welcoming namaskaram mudra.The dvara-devi’s feet rests on the pistil of an upturned lotus. The same is poised on a high, double-tiered plinth. A dhoti of silk - note the engraved embroidery on the fabric - wound tightly around long, luscious limbs. Behind the namaskaram is a slender yet full-figured torso, indicative of maternal bounty. Ample jewellery accentuating the beauty of each of Her curves.A parrot perched on each of her soft, curvaceous shoulders. Sharp, expressive features of the face, bursting forth with the resplendence of brass and the finesse of the artisan’s handiwork. A gorgeously engraved crown, as long and slender as the one who wears it on Her brow.
