This is Dvarapala, one of the two gate guardian statues at the entrance to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown. He is usually portrayed as a muscular, fierce-looking, wrath-filled entity. These guardians are protectors of Buddhism and challenge anyone or anything that would contradict the Buddha's teachings. The gate guardian statues are hand-carved from special granite from China.
Imposing and terrifying looking guardian...I really like the composition and light....BUT I need to know about those pierced looking nipples...were they holes...just trying to figure out their purpose....if any
Love to see you pic to. We are from a so different part of the world and on an other way so close. I can see you world , it`s very interesting and I like it, and I show you, mine. I also read the lines you send to others , I hope you don`t mind. Tells a bit who you are . I told I love Buddhism art and it`s striking to see that every population group has it one type of art
Fantastic, I love him, he's a fierce protector!!!!!!! Very strong image. My daughter is thinking of doing a buddhism theme for her photography project this year.
@maggotx They are holes! I wondered about them too, when I first saw them. They looked like neatly drilled holes. I have no idea why they were made like that but I'm not inclined to think they're there just for aesthetic purposes. Still, your guess is as good as mine right now, I really have no idea. 8D
A great, big, muscular, not-angry-at-all, gratitude-filled "THANK YOU!" to everyone! I appreciate that you've all taken time out of your busy schedules to stop by and leave a comment. I like this photograph very much. I find Mr Gate Guardian kind of sexy. (I should get my sanity checked, no? 8D )
Again, thank you so much!