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Dvarapala
Door guardian statue / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Dvarapala or Dvarapalaka (Sanskrit, "door guard"; IAST: Dvārapāla Sanskrit pronunciation: [dʋaːɽɐpaːlɐ]) is a door or gate guardian often portrayed as a warrior or fearsome giant, usually armed with a weapon - the most common being the gada (mace). The dvarapala statue is a widespread architectural element throughout Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina cultures, as well as in areas influenced by them like Java.
Jaya-Vijaya - the dvarapalas of Vishnu's abode of Vaikuntha are often depicted in his temples, guarding the doors. Here they are depicted guarding the sanctum of a famous Vishnu temple known as Chennakesava Temple.
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![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Plaosan_Temple_Guardian.jpg/640px-Plaosan_Temple_Guardian.jpg)