Who Are the Ashta Dikpalas?
The Ashta Dikpalas (or Dikpalakas) are the eight guardian deities who protect the eight directions of space. Dik means direction and pala means protector, so they are the 'guardians of the directions'. They are also called Lokapalas, the guardians of the world.
Each Dikpala rules one direction, rides a particular vahana and carries a distinctive weapon. They are invoked at the start of major pujas, yajnas and the consecration of temples and homes, asking the directions to protect the sacred space. In temple architecture their images are often carved on the outer walls facing their own direction.
The Four Cardinal Direction Guardians
- Indra (इंद्र) - East (Purva): King of the devas and lord of rain and thunder; he guards the east, the direction of the rising sun, riding the elephant Airavata and bearing the vajra (thunderbolt).
- Yama (यम) - South (Dakshina): Lord of dharma and of death, the just judge of all beings; he guards the south, riding a buffalo and carrying a staff (danda) and noose.
- Varuna (वरुण) - West (Pashchim): Lord of the waters and cosmic order; he guards the west, riding a makara (sea-creature) and holding a noose (pasha).
- Kubera (कुबेर) - North (Uttara): Lord of wealth and treasurer of the gods; he guards the north, the auspicious direction of prosperity, and is shown with his treasures and mace.
The Four Intermediate Direction Guardians
- Agni (अग्नि) - South-East (Agneya): The fire deity and carrier of offerings to the gods; he guards the south-east, riding a ram and bearing flames. This corner is linked with the kitchen and the cooking hearth.
- Nirriti (निरृति) - South-West (Nairutya): The deity of the south-west, associated with dissolution and the warding off of negativity; this corner is considered to need stability and is linked with strength.
- Vayu (वायु) - North-West (Vayavya): The wind deity and breath of life; he guards the north-west, riding a deer or antelope and carrying a banner or goad.
- Ishana (ईशान) - North-East (Ishanya): A form of Lord Shiva who guards the north-east, the most sacred and auspicious corner, ideal for the puja room. He is shown with a trishul and rides Nandi.
Their Significance in Worship and Vastu
The Dikpalas remind us that space itself is sacred and protected. In a formal puja, after invoking Ganesha and the kalash, the worshipper may offer salutations to the ten directions (the eight Dikpalas plus the zenith and nadir), asking each to guard the rite. This is the spirit of the dik-bandhan, sealing the directions before worship.
In vastu, the qualities of each direction follow its guardian - the north-east (Ishana) is kept clean and light for prayer, the south-east (Agni) suits the kitchen, the north (Kubera) is linked with wealth. Beyond ritual, the Dikpalas teach a beautiful truth: wherever we turn, a divine presence watches over us, and the whole of creation, in every direction, is held within the order of dharma.
Common Questions From Devotees
How many Dikpalas are there?+
There are eight principal Dikpalas, the Ashta Dikpalas, guarding the four cardinal and four intermediate directions. When the guardians of the zenith (above) and nadir (below) are added, they are sometimes counted as ten Dikpalas.
Who guards the east direction?+
Indra, the king of the devas and lord of rain and thunder, guards the east - the direction of the rising sun. He rides the white elephant Airavata and carries the vajra (thunderbolt).
Which direction is most auspicious for the puja room?+
The north-east (Ishanya), guarded by Ishana - a form of Lord Shiva - is considered the most sacred and auspicious corner and is traditionally favoured for the puja room and prayer.
Why are the Dikpalas invoked before a puja?+
They are invoked to guard the sacred space from every side - this is the dik-bandhan, the sealing of the directions. Saluting the guardians acknowledges that the whole of space is divine and asks each direction to protect the worship.
About the author
Dr. Suresh Iyer · Vastu Shastra & Jyotish, 18+ years
Dr. Suresh has practiced traditional Vastu and basic Vedic Jyotish for over 18 years across South India. He contributes the Vastu, direction, and home-puja layout guides on Vandnaa.
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