Doorjamb

Carved doorjambs flanking the entrance of a Hindu temple often display a pair of river goddesses, who represent the Yamuna and the Ganga (Ganges) Rivers and offer prosperity to the worshippers. Both female figures are shown as sensuous, curving women accompanied by attendants. The sculpture at the top represents the sun god Surya, while dancing dwarves, associated with the god Shiva as a fertility deity, frame the center of the relief. The piece embodies the close union of sculpture and architecture in an Indian temple.