Dikpālakas
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Dikpālakas literally means ‘protectors of the quarters’.
Dikpālakas Definition[edit]
In the cycle of creation, as depicted in the purāṇas, the eight quarters or directions have been put under the protection of eight deities. They are known as ‘dikpālakas’ or ‘aṣṭadikpālakas’.
Dikpālakas of Major Directions[edit]
Four major directions protected by deities are:
- Indra for purva or East
- Yama for dakṣiṇa or South
- Varuṇa for paścima or West
- Kubera for uttara or North.
Dikpālakas of Intermediate Directions[edit]
The intermediate directions are taken care of by:
These deities are rarely worshiped. They are mostly represented on the central panel of the ceiling in the chief pavilion (mahāmaṇḍapa) of a temple.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore