Dakshina Raya is a deity worshipped in parts of West Bengal
and Bangladesh .
Daksina Raya protects devotees from the attacks of tigers. The deity is
worshipped mainly in the forests of Sunderban and 24 Parganas district in
Southern West Bengal.
Dakshina Raya is a handsome warrior. He carries a bow and
arrow and a quiver and shield on his back. Later images of Dakshina Raya have
him holding a gun. He is depicted as riding a horse or tiger. He wears a crown
and other ornaments.
Dakshinaraya is not mentioned in Vedas or Puranas but He has
been worshipped by Hindus from the medieval period.
Important rituals and pujas dedicated to Daksina Raya are
held in the Magh month (January – February).
The human form of the deity is rarely worshipped. Instead
Daksina Raya is represented by Badha – a metal pot symbolizing the deity.
The metal pot is hung from trees in forest. Those who
venture into the forest offer prayers at any time of the day for protection and
safe return. He is also worshipped as Khetrapal – the tiller of soil. Thus the
deity is also associated with agriculture.
Some scholars are of the view that Dakshina Raya
was a benign landlord or warrior who was later deified.