[OQmYckYz]

Dear Prasad,

I give here the explanation as gathered from learned elders. I have presumed that you are talking about the anthropomorphous Dwarapalakas (with human features-in simple English). The dwarapalakas represent a stage in the spiritual progress of an Atma. There are saamipyam, saarupyam and saayujyam which are considered to be the three important milestones in the atma's progress. Saamipyam occurs when you reach Vaikuntha finally and you are near the God. Saarupyam is getting a look which is similar to that of the paramatma. This occurs quite early in the journey depending on how intense is your bhakthi. The more you think about Paramatma and the more you yearn for reaching him you get the features and look of the paramatma himself. That is why you find the Dwarapalakas in the Temples looking like the presiding deity itself with conch and disk and four hands, kireetam, the satvik look etc., The Dwarapalaka has virtually become the God himself because of his constant bhakthi without break (like the flow of oil-thaila dhara). As a dwarapalaka, it is his duty also to constantly think about his master and nothing else. So dwarapalakas are an example of the soul which has crossed the Saarupya milestone.The last stage is the Sayujyam when you realise the final truth that you are what you are because of God in you. This is the final summum bonum of the Atma's journey. Next time when you go to the temple with your son/daughter and when he/she asks you the question tell him/her that the dwarapalaka is doing the duty assigned to him well and that is why he looks as rich and powerful as his master inside. In our dharma everything has a meaning. As dwarapalakas tell you this truth they are needed to stand there in the temples.

Cheers.