In Hindu mythology, the “Asta Dikpalas” (also spelled “Ashta Dikpalas”) are the guardians or deities associated with the eight cardinal and ordinal directions. Each of these deities is responsible for protecting a specific direction or corner of the universe. The term “Asta” means “eight,” and “Dikpalas” translates to “guardians of the directions.” These deities are invoked to maintain balance and safeguard the world from negative influences.
Here are the eight Dikpalas and their respective directions:
- Kubera (North): Kubera is the god of wealth and the guardian of the northern direction. He is often depicted as a plump, pot-bellied deity holding a mongoose and a money bag. Kubera is responsible for the distribution and protection of wealth.
- Yama (South): Yama is the god of death and the guardian of the southern direction. He is often depicted as a dark-skinned deity riding a buffalo and holding a mace. Yama is responsible for overseeing the souls of the departed and maintaining order in the afterlife.
- Varuna (West): Varuna is the god of the cosmic ocean and the guardian of the western direction. He is often depicted as a deity riding a crocodile or a serpent. Varuna is associated with cosmic order, law, and the control of the waters.
- Indra (East): Indra is the god of thunder and rain and the guardian of the eastern direction. He is a prominent deity in Hindu mythology and is often depicted riding an elephant and wielding a thunderbolt. Indra is the king of the gods and is responsible for controlling the elements.
- Agni (Southeast): Agni, the god of fire, is associated with the southeast direction. He is often depicted as a deity with fiery red hair and three legs. Agni is revered in various Vedic rituals and represents the transformative power of fire.
- Nirrti (Southwest): Nirrti is the goddess of destruction and misfortune and guards the southwest direction. She is often depicted as a dark and fearsome deity associated with inauspiciousness and calamity.
- Vayu (Northwest): Vayu, the god of the wind, is associated with the northwest direction. He is often depicted as a deity riding a chariot drawn by antelope and is responsible for the movement of air and life force.
- Ishana or Shiva (Zenith or Upper direction): Depending on the tradition, Ishana, who represents the zenith or the upper direction, is associated with Lord Shiva. Ishana is considered the lord of the heavens and spiritual insight.
The Asta Dikpalas play a significant role in Hindu cosmology, and they are often invoked in various rituals and prayers to seek their protection and blessings in their respective directions. Their roles are essential for maintaining cosmic order and balance in the universe.
They are the eight deities ruling over the eight quarters of the universe. Though frequently mentioned, they are rarely worshipped. They are mostly represented on
the central panel of the ceiling in the Mahamary<;lapa (chief pavilion) of a temple.
Indra, Yama, Varurya and Kubera are the deities that rule over the east, south, west and north.
The intermediate directions are ruled by Agni (south-east), Niqti (south¬west), Vayu (north-west) and Isana (north-east).
Indra, Yama, Varurya, Agni and Vayu have already been dealt with in the fourth chapter on Vedic Gods.
Niqti is said to be the chief of the demons. He may be shown riding on a donkey, a lion or a man and surrounded by the demons and seven apsaras.
Kubera, the king of the Yakshas (a kind of demigods) is famous as the lord of wealth. He is often depicted as riding on the shoulders of man or in a carriage drawn by
men. Ram or elephant also can be his mount. Two Nidhis (personified treasures) are shown by his side. Isana is an aspect of Siva.
The names of the Dikpālas vary slightly, but generally include the following:
| Name | Direction | Mantra | Weapon | Consort | Graha (Planet) | Guardian Matrika |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kubera | North | Oṃ Shaṃ Kuberāya Namaḥ | Gadā (mace) | Kuberajāyā | Budha (Mercury) | Kumari |
| Yama | South | Oṃ Maṃ Yamāya Namaḥ | Daṇḍa(staff) | Yami | Maṅgala (Mars) | Varahi |
| Indra | East | Oṃ Laṃ Indrāya Namaḥ | Vajra (thunderbolt) | Śacī | Sūrya (Sun) | Aindri |
| Varuṇa | West | Oṃ Vaṃ Varuṇāya Namaḥ | Pāśa (noose) | Nalani | Śani (Saturn) | Varuni |
| Īśāna | Northeast | Oṃ Haṃ Īśānāya Namaḥ | Triśūla (trident) | Parvati | Brihaspati (Jupiter) | Māheśvarī |
| Agni | Southeast | Oṃ Raṃ Agnaye Namaḥ | Śakti(Spear) | Svāhā | Śukra (Venus) | Meshavahini |
| Vāyu | Northwest | Oṃ Yaṃ Vayuve Namaḥ | Aṅkuśa (goad) | Bharati | Chandra (Moon) | Mrigavahini |
| Nirṛti (sometimes Rakṣasa) | Southwest | Oṃ Kṣaṃ Rakṣasāya Namaḥ | Khaḍga (sword) | Khaḍgī | Rāhu (North Lunar Node) | Khadagadharini |
| Viṣṇu | Nadir | Oṃ Klim Vishnave Namaḥ | Chakra (discus) | Lakṣmī | Lagna | Vaishnavi |
| Brahmā | Zenith | Oṃ Hriṃ Brahmaṇe Namaḥ | Padma (lotus) | Sarasvatī | Ketu (South Lunar Node) | Brahmani |
Directions in Hindu tradition
Directions in Hindu tradition are called as Diśa, Disha or Dik. There are four primary directions and a total of 10 directions.
| English | Sanskrit |
|---|---|
| East | Pūrva, Prāchi, Prāk |
| West | Paścima, Pratīchi, Apara |
| North | Uttara, Udīchi |
| South | Dakshina, Avāchi |
| North-East | Īśānya |
| South-East | Āgneya |
| North-West | Vāyavya |
| South-West | Nairṛti |
| Zenith | Ūrdhva |
| Nadir | Adho |
Lokapālas
In Hinduism the Guardians of the four cardinal directions are called the Lokapālas (लोकपाल). They are:
Images of the Lokapālas are usually placed in pairs at the entrance to tombs. As Guardians they can call upon the spirits of the next world to help them protect the tomb if necessary.