‘Gaja, Asva, Garuda…’: 6 Gates of New Parliament Building, Their Guardians & What They Symbolise:
The new Parliament building was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year on May 28.
The four-storey building, which is constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 970 crore, has been designed by Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, Planning and Management, and constructed by Tata Projects Limited. The interior of the ‘temple of democracy’ has three national symbols – the lotus, the peacock and the banyan tree – as its themes.
The new parliament building has six gates, all named after real and mythological creatures. The six gates are namely Gaja Dwar, Ashwa Dwar, Garuda Dwar, Makar Dwar, Shardula Dwar and Hamsa Dwar. Each gate has a sculpture of the creature it is named after guarding it.
The five-day-long special session of the Parliament, which commenced on 18..09..2023, has been shifted from the old building to the new one on September 19.
WHAT ARE SIX CREATURES GUARDING GATES OF NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDING?
Gaja Dwar
Named after the majestic animal, elephant which represents intellect, memory, wealth and wisdom, this gate is on the north side of the building. According to vaastu shastra, sculptures of elephants on gates bring prosperity and happiness.
Ashwa Dwar
This gate is named after the horse which symbolises power, strength and courage.
Garuda Dwar
The third gate, which is also the eastern entrance to the new Parliament building, is named after Garuda, the king of birds. Garuda is mythologically believed to be the mount of Lord Vishnu, symbolising power and dharma (duty).
Makara Dwar
Facing the entrance to the old Parliament building, this gate is named after the legendary sea creature, which is a combination of different animals. Makara sculptures at the entrance are commonly seen in Hindu and Buddhist monuments and are associated with protectors.
Shardula Dwar
The fifth gate of the new Parliament building is named after yet another mythological creature, Shardula, which has the body of a lion, but the head of a horse, elephant or parrot. According to a government note, the presence of Shardula on the gate symbolises the power of the people of the country.
6. Hamsa Dwar
The Parliament‘s sixth gate, known as Hamsa Dwar, takes its name from the swan. Hamsa is the revered mount of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge. The swan’s flight symbolises moksha, signifying the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death. The Hamsa sculpture adorning the Parliament’s gate serves as a potent symbol representing self-realisation and wisdom. courtesy..news desk kaladwani news, 9037259950, Subhash Kurup , Chief editor .(Rtd. Indian Navy)
