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Dikpalas

Dikpalas are the eight guardian deities of the directions in Hindu cosmology. The term is formed from dik, meaning direction, and pala, meaning guardian or keeper. They are regarded as custodians of the cosmic order (dharma) and are called upon to protect the world and maintain balance within the universe.

A common enumeration assigns a dikpala to each cardinal and intercardinal direction: East is associated with

In art and temple practice, the dikpalas are typically depicted as regal figures, sometimes mounted or standing

Beyond Hinduism, the concept of direction guardians influences Buddhist and Jain cosmology as lokapalas or analogous

Indra;
Southeast
with
Agni;
South
with
Yama;
Southwest
with
Nirriti;
West
with
Varuna;
Northwest
with
Vayu;
North
with
Kubera;
and
Northeast
with
Ishana
(Isana).
Variations
exist
among
different
texts
and
traditions,
with
some
lists
substituting
deities
for
certain
directions
or
expanding
the
scheme
to
include
additional
guardians
for
intermediate
directions.
in
procession,
and
often
shown
wielding
weapons
or
symbols
linked
to
their
direction.
Their
placement
in
temples,
mandalas,
and
architectural
plans
reflects
their
role
in
safeguarding
spaces
and
aligning
ritual
action
with
cosmic
directions.
They
are
commonly
invoked
in
Vastu
Shastra
and
related
ritual
contexts
to
ensure
auspiciousness
and
protection
of
sacred
sites
and
homes.
guardians
of
the
world’s
directions,
contributing
to
a
broader
tradition
of
protective
deities
associated
with
cardinal
points.