The Dikpalas

The traditional clockwise order of the eight guardians (Ashta-Dikpala) starting from the East is the standard way to visualize the 8 dikpalas on top of Mount Meru:

1. East: Indra 

2. Southeast: Agni 

3. South: Dharmaraja

4. Southwest: Nrti 

5. West: Varuna

6. Northwest: Vayu 

7. North: Kuvera 

8. Northeast: Isana

1. East: Indra

Role: Guardian of the East, King of the Devas, and Lord of Rain.

Mount (Vahana): Airavata, the four-tusked white elephant.

City: Amaravati

2. Southeast: Agni

Role: Guardian of the Southeast and God of Fire.

Mount (Vahana): Mesha, a ram or male goat.

City: Tejavati

3. South: Dharmaraja (Yama)

Role: Guardian of the South, God of Justice, Law, and Death.

Mount (Vahana): Mahisha, a male water buffalo.

City: Samyamini

4. Southwest: Nirti

Role: Guardian of the Southwest and Goddess of Decay, Darkness, and Entropy.

Mount (Vahana): Often depicted on a Man, a donkey, or a horse.

City: Krishnajana

5. West: Varuna

Role: Guardian of the West, Lord of the Cosmic Waters and Truth (Rta).

Mount (Vahana): Makara, a mythical sea creature or crocodile.City: Shraddhavati

6. Northwest: Vayu

Role: Guardian of the Northwest and God of the Wind and Life Force (Prana).

Mount (Vahana): Mruga, a spotted deer or antelope.

City: Gandhavati

7. North: KuveraRole: Guardian of the North and Lord of Wealth and Treasure.Mount (Vahana): Nara (a man) or a horse.City: Alakapuri

8. Northeast: Isana (Rudra)

Role: Guardian of the Northeast and an aspect of Lord Siva. The Northeast corner is considered the most sacred and auspicious.

Mount (Vahana): Vrishabha, the bull.

Vastu Significance: The Northeast corner, known as Ishan-kon or Ishansthan, is considered highly sacred, governing spiritual clarity, knowledge, and mental peace.

Attributes: Represents divinity, and this direction is ideal for meditation rooms or prayer areas.

City: Yashovati

To complete the full 10 directions (Dasha-Dikpala) and the center:

Zenith (Up): Lord Brahma.Satyaloka (top of the universe: the Lotus Flower)

Nadir (Down): Ananta Sesa.City: Bhoga-vari (Patala-loka)And the eleventh:Center: Lord Brahma at the hub of the Brahmasthana.City: Manovati (or Brahmapuri) - Mount Meru