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Ashta Dikpalas – the eight Hindu deities that protect the eight quarters of the world

In Hinduism, Ashtadikpalakas, or Ashta Dikpalas, are the eight deities that guard the eight quarters of the world. They are popularly known as Dikpalas – the protectors of the quarters – or Lokapalas – the protectors the world. They are also mentioned as the guardian deities of the sky. The Ashta Dikpalas are mentioned in the following order:
  1. East – Indira on Airavata – the white elephant. Sometimes Indira is depicted as sitting on a horse named Uchaishravas.
  2. South East – Agni on Mesha (the male goat).
  3. South – Yama on Mahisha (the male buffalo).
  4. South West – Nirurti on Ashwa (horse).
  5. West – Varuna on Makara (the crocodile).
  6. North West – Vayu on Mruga (the spotted deer).
  7. North – Kubera on Nara (Man)
  8. North East – Isana on Vrishabha (bull)

East: Indra, the king of gods, is the guardian of the east. He's often depicted riding on Airavata, a majestic white elephant, symbolizing strength and royalty. Sometimes, he's shown on Uchaishravas, a celestial horse.

Southeast: Agni, the god of fire, presides over the southeast. His mount is Mesha, a ram or a male goat, representing the fiery nature of the southeast.

South: Yama, the lord of death and justice, reigns over the south. He rides on Mahisha, a powerful black buffalo, symbolizing the inevitable nature of death.

Southwest: Nirriti, associated with destruction, decay, and misfortune, guards the southwest. His vehicle is Ashwa, a horse, though depictions can vary.

West: Varuna, the god of water and the oceans, protects the west. His mount is Makara, a mythical sea creature often depicted as a crocodile or a composite of fish and antelope.

Northwest: Vayu, the god of wind and air, governs the northwest. He rides on Mruga, a spotted deer, symbolizing the swiftness of the wind.

North: Kubera, the god of wealth and prosperity, presides over the north. Interestingly, his mount is Nara, which simply means "man," highlighting the importance of human effort in acquiring wealth.

Northeast: Isana, a form of Shiva associated with creation and dissolution, guards the northeast. His mount is Vrishabha, a bull, representing strength and fertility.