Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c17.15

c17.15

Images in low relief are commonly found against temple walls, usually they represent deities such as Vishnu, kings or heroes, or benefactors of the temple. The plastered makara torana above a seated image (Pl. VIIA.) is similarly modelled in clay, plastered and painted. At the door of a vihara on each side of it, these are usually represented door guardians (doratu-pala-rupa), with swords or clubs, symbolising the spiritual guardianship of the shrine.