A look at the 6 doorways to new Parliament building as special session resumes

Situated on Rafi Marg, the new complex, which is triangular in shape, has larger legislative chambers. The Central Vista Redevelopment Project has noted that the triangular shape will ensure optimum space utilisation.

The special session of Parliament will resume in the New Parliament Complex on September 19.  Both the Houses will shift to the new building which has been built at a cost of Rs 971 crore and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in May.

"The new complex is a symbol of India's progress and will reflect the aspirations of the 135 crore Indians," Central Vista Redevelopment Project notes on its website. The new complex on the Rafi Marg has been designed in a triangular shape to have larger legislative chambers and ensure optimum utilisation of space.

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Dwars in the new complex

The new Parliament complex has six gates which have been named in an interesting manner. These gates - Gaja Dwar, Ashwa Dwar, Garuda Dwar, Makar Dwar, Shardula Dwar, and Hamsa Dwar - have been named as a mix of real and mythological creatures from Indian folklores. Each door has been sculpted in the shape of the creature it is named after.

Gaja Dwar

Named after the elephant, the Gaja Dwar is located on the northern side of the Parliament complex. Elephants, in India, are associated with intellect, memory, wealth, and wisdom. The special session of Parliament commences in the new complex on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha, according to Hindu mythology, is considered a supreme symbol of new beginnings, and also called the elephant God.

Ashwa Dwar

The Ashwa Dwar, named after the horse, is inspired by the Sun Temple in Odisha's Konark. In Indian folklore and mythology, horses symbolise power, strength, and courage.

Shardula Dwar

Shardula, a hybrid form of a lion and a tiger, represents the perfect balance of strength and grace. The Shardula dwar, located on the south-eastern public entrance, has been inspired by the stone statue preserved in the Gujri Mahal Museum, Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior.

Hamsa Dwar

On the north-eastern public entrance, the Hamsa Dwar is inspired by the Vijay Vitthala Temple in Karnataka's Hampi. The Hamsa, in Indian folklore, is associated with the power of discernment, self-realisation, and wisdom.

In Indian mythology, Hamsa's flight symbolises moksha, or the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death.

Garuda Dwar

The Garuda sculpture, on the eastern entrance of the building, signifies power and dharma.

Makara Dwar

On the western public entrance, the Makara statue is inspired by the Hoysaleshwara temple in Karnataka's Halebidu. Makara is a symbol of unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths.

Foucault's Pendulum

Another significant feature of the new building is Foucault's Pendulum which hangs down from a skylight in the triangular room of the Constitutional Hall, signifying India's relation to the universe.

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Exhibition Halls

Also, there are three vast sections for exhibitions on the ground floor - Sangeet Dirghya, Sthapatya Dirgha, and Shilpa Dirgha.