The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s2.24

v2.c11.s2.24

The inception of a new life is beset with dangers. The guardians of the threshold thus are the most enduring images of the door⁴⁴ where perils must be warded off and contamination with the impurities of the world prevented. They bear the weapon and traits of the particular god whom they serve in each temple and they frequently exhibit his ‘fearful’ aspect.⁴⁵ Thus they are the agents of the image in the Garbhagṛha, and of its smaller version in the centre of the lintel.