There are six gates at the new Parliament building

Construction for the Central Vista Redevelopment Project began in September 2019. The project includes the construction of a new parliament building, as well as the renovation and reconstruction of other government buildings in New Delhi, India. The project is expected to be completed by 2026. This Central Vista will include different aspects including new Parliament building, renovated government buildings, and new public spaces.

There are six gates of the new Parliament building. These are — Gaj (elephant); Ashwa (horse); Garud (king of birds); Makar (mythical sea creature); Shardul (mythical lion-headed creature); and Hams (swan). These are a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage, its commitment to democracy, and its aspirations for the future.

But what do these symbols mean?

The Gaj Dwar (Elephant Gate) is located on the north side of the Parliament building. The elephant is a revered animal in Indian culture, symbolizing wisdom, strength, and prosperity. It is also associated with the Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The presence of the elephant at the north gate of Parliament symbolises the wisdom and strength of the Indian people, as well as their desire to overcome any challenges that may come their way.

The Ashw Dwar (Horse Gate) is located on the south side of the Parliament building. The horse is another revered animal in Indian culture, symbolising power, endurance, and speed. It is also associated with the God Surya, the Sun God. The presence of the horse at the south gate of Parliament symbolises the power and endurance of the Indian people, as well as their desire to progress and achieve their goals.

The Garud Dwar (Garud Gate) is located on the east side of the Parliament building. Garuda is the king of birds in Hindu mythology and is known for his strength, speed, and loyalty. He is also the vehicle of the Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. The presence of Garuda at the east gate of Parliament symbolises the strength, speed, and loyalty of the Indian people, as well as their commitment to upholding the values of democracy and justice.

The Makar Dwar (Makar Gate) is located on the west side of the Parliament building. Makara is a mythical sea creature that is often depicted as a hybrid of different animals, such as the elephant, crocodile, and fish. It is associated with the water element and is seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance. The presence of Makara at the west gate of Parliament symbolises the unity and diversity of the Indian people, as well as their rich cultural heritage.

The Shardul Dwar (Shardul Gate) is located on the northwest side of the Parliament building. Shardul is a mythical lion-headed creature that is often depicted as the guardian of temples and other sacred places. It is associated with strength, courage, and vigilance. The presence of Shardul at the northwest gate of Parliament symbolises the strength, courage, and vigilance of the Indian people, as well as their commitment to protecting their democracy.

The Hams Dwar (Swan Gate) is located on the northeast side of the Parliament building. The swan is a sacred bird in Indian mythology and is associated with knowledge, purity, and self-realisation. It is also the vehicle of the Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning. The presence of the swan at the northeast gate of Parliament symbolises the Indian people’s commitment to knowledge, learning, and self-realisation.

Architectural beauty

In addition to the symbolic meaning of each creature, the gates are notable for their architectural beauty. The gates are made of red sandstone and feature intricate carvings of the creatures they are named after. The carvings are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Indian artisans who created them.