[kjanyeaz1]

Dwarapalakas are Sentries at the Temple premises appointed at the instance of
presiding God or Deity of the Temple. There is a story in this connection. Once the
Sage Narada went to see Lord Krishna in Dwaraka. Since Lord Krishna was in
meditation, the Sentries did not allow Sage Narada inside. Sage Narada started
questioning the Sentries and the reason for that and also told the Sentries that
no one can stop him to see Lord Krishna. Sentries explaining the whole instance,
politely informed the Sage Narada that he would not like to receive displeasure from
Lord Krishna. Sage Narada immediately told the Sentries that there is no one above
HIM and we all meditate on HIM. I do not understand the reason. After sometime,
the Sentries on getting clearance from Lord Krishna opened the doors. Lord Krishna
on seeing Sage Narada, asked for pardon for holding him outside by the Sentries.
When Sage Narada asked him about the meditation aspects, Lord Krishna explained
to Sage Narada, that HE is meditating for the welfare of HIS Bhaktas. Sage Narada
was convinced and from then onwards, the practice of installation of Dwara Palakas
in the Temple become a mandatory not to disturb the presiding Deity. Owing to
the above incident, Sage Narada called Lord Krishna Bhakta Vatsala and felt bad
for getting annoyed on the Dwara Palakas (Sentries).

Balasubramanian
Ambattur