LOKAPALA

in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, any of the guardians of the four cardinal directions. They are known in Tibetan as 'jig-rtenskyong, in Chinese as t'ien-wang, and in Japanese as shi-tenno. The Hindu protectors, who ride on elephants, are Indra, who governs the east, Yama the south, Varuna the west, and Kubera the north. Kubera, also referred to as Vaisravana, is common to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The other Buddhist lokapalas are Dhrtarastra (east), Virudhaka (south), and Virupaksa (west). The four are mentioned in the earliest Buddhist writings as participating in all the important events of the Buddha's life. They received him at his birth, held up the hooves of his horse when he left the palace to renounce the world, and offered him four bowls of food that miraculously became one bowl following his fast under the Bo tree. The four became popular deities in Tibet, China, and Japan, as well as among the southern Hinayana Buddhists, though only Kubera is worshiped singly. They are usually depicted fully armed, standing on demons. In India Kubera is called king of the yaksas and is shown coloured yellow, holding a banner in the right hand and a mongoose in the left. In China he is called To-wen (in Japan, Bishamon; in Tibet, Rnam-thos-sras) and symbolizes autumn. The guardian of the east, Dhrtarastra, in India is known as the king of the celestial musicians, the gandharvas. He is coloured white and has as his symbol a stringed instrument. In China he is called Ch'ih-kuo (in Japan, Jikoku; in Tibet, Yul-'khor-bsrung) and is associated with summer. The guardian of the south, Vir udhaka, in India is king of the giant kumbhandas (pot-bellied gnomes). He is coloured blue or green and carries a sword. In China he is called Tseng-chang (in Japan, Komoku; in Tibet, 'Phags-skyes-po) and symbolizes spring. The guardian of the west, Virupaksa, in India commands the serpents (nagas). He is coloured red and has as his symbol a small shrine, or a jewel, and a serpent. In China he is called Kwang-mu (in Japan, Zocho; in Tibet, Klu) and is associated with winter.