The kshetrapalas are the guardian of the entire temple complex and have a higher place than Dwarpalas in the hierarchy. They are the protectors of a settlement, a village, a field or a temple. Kshetra literally means a field or specifically a field of activity (In a broader sense the body is the Kshetra the field and the one who resides in it as the Antaryamin is kshetrajna).
Kshetrapalas are basically the folk guardian deities who are very popular in village cults. In the villages of South-India, Kshetrapalas are placed in small temples or in open spaces outside of the village. In a major temple complex, particularly of Lord Shiva, the Kshetrapala is provided a small shrine on the North-East side within the temple courtyard for safeguarding the temple. Worship is offered to Kshetrapala before important rituals, praying for the efficient and safe conclusion of that ritual.
The depiction of Kshetrapalas is awe-inspiring, terrifying, huge, three-eyed, untidy, wielding several weapons and usually accompanied by dogs identified with Bhairava the terrible aspect of Shiva; as also with the ferocious-looking Veerabhadra the son of Shiva. According to one legend, Siva created Kshetrapala along with others to organize the army of Kali when she went to fight the demon Daruka.
In the Sri Vishvanatha temple at Kasi, the Kshetrapala there also performs the function of Dvarapala, to guard the Lord against impure elements.
When Kshetrapala attends to Mahakala, the Lord of death who resides in the burning Ghats, it is said, Kshetrapala wearing a skull cup, holding a chopper, rides a black bear.
Previous related topic link: https://www.merakitale.com/post/dwarpalas-sacred-gatekeepers
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