Dvarapala Guardian Chariot Carving - 19th Century

This South Indian panel is from a temple chariot locally called ter or Ratha Yatra. It depicts a Dvarapala guardian for an unknown female Hindu deity. In her right hand is a mace. Her left hand is in Tarjani Mudra with her index finger extended in warning to any miscreants. The index finger has long since broken. Dvarapalas were most often seen depicted either side of a doorway to a temple or shrine. Although they were often seen with four arms, two armed Dvarapalas like this are found in Kerala and South India. 

Ratha Yatra chariots are decorated with carved sacred scenes and images of deities. These sculptures are the finest wooden sculptures found in Tamil Nadu and the chariots were enormous requiring them to be drawn through the streets towed by hundreds of devotees. 

Hangers can be added to the reverse for securing to a wall on request. 

From India

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