Dikpala (दिक्पाल​)

Dikpala (दिक्पाल) is mentioned as deity who dominate certain direction. As a group of eight deities, they are called Asta-Dikpala (अष्ट-दिक्पाल), literally meaning guardians of eight directions.

Generally two extra directions are added to make it ten directions ( ऊर्ध्व and अधरस्त), and ten dikpalas.

Direction in Hinduism

The name of ten direction is mentioned in Varaha Purana (वराह-पुराण)

पूर्वाग्नेयी दक्षिणा च नैर्ऋती पश्चिमा तथा। वायवी चोत्तरैशानी ऊर्द्धा चाधोदिशोदशेति”

Number of direction is mentioned as ten directions in Mahabharata –

लोकपालाश्च लोकाश्च नक्षत्राणि दिशो दश  – Mahabharata 3.12.58

Ten directions in Hinduism

No.English DirectionDik (दिक्)Dikpala (दिक्पाल)
1Eastप्राची , पूर्वIndra
2Westप्रतीची , पश्चिमVaruna
3Northउदीची , उत्तरKubera
4Southअवाचि , दक्षिणYama
5North-EastईशानShiva
6South-Eastअग्निAgni
7South-Westनैऋत्यNairuti ( Demon)
8North-WestवायुVayu
9Skywardsऊर्ध्वBrahma
10Downwardsअधरस्तShesh or Anant

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