The Lotus Gate at Jaipur City Palace, India
The four gateways stand at the four corners of Pritam Niwas Chowk, a courtyard inside Jaipur's City Palace. Richly decorated, each in a different colour and theme, they link the semi-public chowk with the private inner world of the royal family. Despite their completely different designs, patterns and colours, the gates sit in perfect harmony with the courtyard around them — a marvel created by the two principal architects of the Jaipur project, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob.
The four magnificent doorways depict the four seasons and are dedicated to four Hindu gods.
The LEHERIYA GATE—adorned with wave motifs in various vibrant shades of green—symbolizes spring, and is dedicated to the god Ganesha.
The LOTUS GATE—covered in lotus petals and floral patterns—represents summer, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The ROSE GATE—depicted by soft pink, repeating rose petals—symbolizes winter and is dedicated to the goddess Devi.
The PEACOCK GATE—the most famous among these—represents autumn, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
© Istvan Kadar Photography