A torana is an archway or gateway.  As the 'six-ornament' enlightenment throne of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, its upper arch is traditionally decorated with motifs of mythological creatures, with a garuda or kirtimukha at its top, and a pair of symmetrical nagas or naga kanyas and makaras below.  Its sides are usually decorated with the motifs of a jeweled crossbar, a pair of young gods or devas, two hybrid antelopes or sharabha, two lions and two elephants.  Exquisite carved wood or stone toranas can still be found in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal.  In south Indian architecture and art the torana often takes the form of an elaborately carved gateway, there known as a gopura.

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The above sculpture shows Shakyamuni Buddha seated in front of a very intricately carved Torana.