Dvarapala

Cave temple of Shiva
Elephanta Island

This dvarapala guards the east shrine. Details of his clothing, jewelry, and hairstyle identify him with Shiva. Unlike the dvarapalas guarding the main shrine, he wears, instead of a crown, the flowing hairstyle appropriate to an ascetic or warrior. He has four arms, and strides in heroic posture with left leg advanced. His left lower arm rests on a strange, cushion or pot-shaped object above the head of a potbellied gana. Heavenly attendants, supported on lotus blossoms, fly above the dvarapala's shoulders; the attendant at photo upper left plays a vina. A sword is visible behind the dvarapala's left leg.