Guardian Statue

Candi Singosari, East Java

The second of Singosari's two giant dvarapalas (guardians; see previous page) is like the first one in type, but differs in a few details. For example, he holds his proper right hand in the knife-hand mudra seen also at Panataran and Trowulan. This gesture, where the first and second fingers are raised together, signifies blessing in the West; in Asia, it is a martial gesture that symbolizes a sword (see: Shuto Mudra.)