On Sunday morning, days ahead of the new Parliament building holding its first session, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar hoisted the national flag at the Gaja Dwar of the building. We look at the significance of the Gaja Dwar, and what are the other dwars or entrances, in the new Parliament building: Gaja Dwar The new Parliament has six entrances, each signifying a different role. As per a government note on the Parliament art project, the sculpture of an elephant or Gaja has been installed to guard the entrance to the north, since the animal represents wisdom and wealth, intellect, and memory, and also embodies the aspirations of the elected representatives of the democracy. According to Vastu shastra, the northern direction is associated with planet Mercury, which is the source of higher intellect. The Lord of the direction is Kubera, the god of wealth. Therefore, the Gaja is placed to the north. Cultural symbolism In fact, in the New Parliament Building, red sandstone sculptures of auspicious animals have been installed as 'guardian statues' on all the six entrances based on their importance in Indian culture, their aesthetic appearance, positive qualities, and the study of Vaastu Shastra, as per officials. The others are: Asva: Asva or the horse standing alert and ready at the southern entrance is symbolic of endurance and strength, power, and speed, also describing the quality of governance. Garuda: The eagle-like Garuda stands at the eastern ceremonial entrance, signifying the aspirations of the people and the administrators of the country. In Vastu shastra, officials say, the eastern direction is associated with the rising sun representing hope, the glory of victory, and success. Makara: A mythological aquatic creature, the Makara combines the bodily parts of different animals, representing, unity in diversity among the people of the country. Shardula: Another mythological creature, Shardula is said to be the most powerful, foremost of all living beings, symbolising the power of the people of the country. Hamsa: The most important quality of the people of a democracy is the power of discernment and self-realisation born of wisdom. Reminding the people of this essential feature is the Hamsa, or swan, at the public entrance to the north east, as per the plan. Ceremonial entrances Out of these six entrances, three are designed as ceremonial entrances, to welcome special guests and to mark special events. These ceremonial entrances display Indian art, culture, ethos, and patriotism. They have been named as Gyan, Shakti and Karma, representing the Indian knowledge system, patriotism and artistic traditions, respectively.
