The dwara-palakas in the first shrine are two rishis in three fourth profile with beard, their hair knotted above their heads. They are both holding a flower in their inner hands, while the outer hand rests on their hip. The sage on the left is holding a ladle in his left hand (the spoon used during yagam). The deity in the garbagriham is Lord Subramanya as Brahma Sastha instead of the usual four headed Brahma. He has four arms - the main right hand in abaya mudra, the main left hand on his hips and is wearing a crossed rudraksha malai on his chest.

The dwarapalakas in the Siva shrine are also seen in three-fourth profile with a slight smile. Their outer arm is resting on their hips. The one on the left is holding a mace in his inner arm. In the garbagriham, there is a carving of Siva on the wall and a lingam is installed in front of it, which could be a later addition. Siva has four arms. The main right hand is in abaya mudra, the main left hand is on his hips.

The dwara-palakas in the Vishnu shrine are also in three-fourth profile. On the rear wall of the garbagriha is a Vishnu idol. He has changu & chakra in his arms, while the main right arm is in abhaya mudra & the left on his hips.

In all three shrines, there are two ganas on either side of the Lord at the top and two devotees seated on either side on the floor. As a rare feature the ganas have been carved in the Vishnu shrine too.

Answered by Jyothi C , an ibibo Master, at 9:11 AM on June 05, 2009

The literal meaning is GATE KEEPER..Dwara means Gate and Palaka means Keeper.

Answered by Arle Rambabu , an ibibo Master, at 12:16 PM on May 08, 2009

Figures of guards of the deities found on either side of the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum, are known as the Dwara Palakas.

Answered by GANGA . , an ibibo Master, at 4:43 PM on May 07, 2009