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Guardians of Directions

According to Hindu custom, Guardians of Directions or Dikpala is mentioned Hindu God or Goddess who dominate certain directions such as east, west, north and south. But generally, in the belief of Tibetan Buddhism, these four directions are considered as four heavenly bodies known as Lokpala. In Hinduism, there is a group of eight deities called Asta Dikpala. They are Kubera(North), Yama(South), Indra(East), Varuna(West), Isana(North East), Agni(South East), Vayu(North West), Nirrti(South West). With Ashta Dikpala, two deities such as Brahma(Nadir) and Vishnu(Zenith). Then Astadikpala became Dasadikpala. According to Hindu mythology, one of the Dsadikpala named Kubera is considered as Lord of Wealth. He is known as Vaisravana in Buddhism because he is known as the son of Vishrava. Kubera is the ruler of the northern direction and the protector of the world. In Vedic era texts, originally Kubera is referred to as the "Chief of Evil Spirits' '. Yama is the guardian of the southern direction. He is the son of Surya and Sanjna. He is known as the God of Death. One of the famous temples, Srivanchiyam, Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Yama. According to Hindu mythology, Indra is known as the king of Gods and Lord of Svargaloka. In Hinduism, Indra is a vedic deity and in Jainism, Indra is the king of Saudharmakalpa. Varuna is connected with the sky at first, but later it is associated with the seas. He is the guardian of western direction. His description is also shown in the tamil grammar work Tolkappiyam, as the god of sea and rain. Isana is the guardian of the north east direction. According to Vastu Shastra, the north east direction is auspicious to build such constructions like home. Because North is the direction associated with Kubera, But eat is connected with Indra, direction of knowledge. So that Isana represents the combination of both knowledge and wealth. Agni is the guardian of South east direction. He is considered as the God of Fire and follower of Vedic sacrifices. In Rig Veda, he is second in the power to Indra. Agni symbolises the mouth of Gods and Goddesses. Vayu is the guardian of North west direction. He is considered the Lord of Winds. The first Avatar of Vayu is treated to be Hanuman. Second Avatar of Vayu is treated to be Bhima and the third Avatar of Vayu is treated to be Madhvacharya. In Hindu mythology, Nirrti or Rakshasa is a demonic being and the female rakshasa is called Rakshasi. He is the guardian of South west direction. She is a goddess and she represents poverty and corruption. Two among the Trimoortis Vishnu and Brahma are added to Ashta Dikpala and it is represented as Dasadikpala.

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