India (Udayagiri, Odisha)

Comprehensive Stylistic and Historical Analysis of the Udayagiri Buddhist Complex Doorjamb Relief

2797

Creation Date: ca. 5th to 8th century CE (with core monuments flourishing extensively during the Gupta and post-Gupta / Bhauma-Kara periods, roughly 5th–7th century CE). Period: Late Gupta / Early Medieval Odisha (Kalinga) Period.

Theological Threshold and Sacred Transition: Designed as an elaborate sanctuary doorway frame (dvara-shakha), it served a critical ritual purpose. Crossing through the portal symbolized passing from the secular world into the pure realm of the Buddha. The intertwined Nagas and celestial guardians provided apotropaic protection, warding off malevolent forces while invoking spiritual fertility and cosmic order.