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

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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.