Ashta Dikpalas

As stated in Hinduism, the Ashta-Dikpalas are the eight deities who guard the eight directions of space. They actually rule the eight directions. Similar is known in the Vajrayana Buddhism, especially Kalacakra. Literally, the term `Ashta-Dikpalas` means `guardians of eight directions`. They are often amplified with two other deities of the two additional directions, Zenith and Nadir. Traditionally, the images of these eight deities are displayed in the walls and ceilings of the Hindu temples.

The names of the eight deities of the directions are Kubera (North), Yama (South), Indra (East), Varuna (West), Isana (North-east), Agni (South-east), Vayu (North-west), and Nirrti (South-west). The two other deities of the other two sides are Brahma (Zenith) and Shesha (Nadir). The weapons that are used by these ten Gods of Directions include Gada (Kubera), Danda (Yama), Vajra (Indra), Pasa (Varuna), Trisula (Isana), Sakti (Agni), Ankusa (Vayu), Khadga (Nirrti), Cakra (Brahma), Padma (Shesha).

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