Dikpalas in Banteay Srei, Siem Reap

I had thought of adding the information about the guardian gods of four directions in my last post but it became so big that I am making a separate post on this.

Dikpalas (दिकपाल ) or the guardian gods of directions:

According to Hinduism, each direction and sub-direction is occupied by a certain deity who act as guardian. The direction and sub-directions are still followed in Vaastushatra, science of architecture and construction. Dik is direction and palas: guardians. Since there are eight directions and sub-directions, the guardian gods are known as ashtadikpalas, asthta: eight and dikpalas; the guardians of directions.

There are four main directions and four sub-directions making a total of eight directions. There are two more one above the place of gravity and other below, but they are not considered in everyday use.

Not only in Banteay Srie, but in other temples also the gods of only four directions are highlighted. The precision regarding the gods facing directions has always been kept in mind.

Main dikpalas:

the four guardians of directions or the 

Kubera, faces North:

Kuber is the God of wealth and prosperity. He sits on a throne, Pushpak carried by his mount, a man. He faces north. He is depicted on pediment of north side of northern shrine.
Kubera observed strict penance and Brahma, the creator blessed him with plenty of riches and asked him to become the lord of wealth.

It is said the Kubera holds a golden mongoose in his hand who throws out gems every time he opens his mouth. Mongoose has enmity with snakes who are said to carry gems (mani) on their hoods. He is the only god who rides on the back of a human signifying how we have become a slave to wealth. Infact, there is a proverb in Hindi where a person if gets rich all of a sudden is asked if has got Kuber's treasure!

Yama, faces South:

Yama seated on water buffalo

Yama on pediment and lintel

Known as Yamaraja or the God of Death always faces south. He rides a water buffalo. Since, south is considered the direction of the departed soul or death no auspicious rites are performed in that direction. In Hinduism, the departed person is placed with his face towards south before and during cremation.
In Banteay Srie, Yama is seen both on pediment and lintel on the south face of southern shrine but if observed closely, one is the front view and the other side view.

Indra, faces East:

Indra is the King of Heaven and the other gods. He is also the God of Rains.

His home is mount Meru or Sumeru. He rides on a spotless white elephant, Airavata who is sometimes shown with one head sometimes three and even having five heads. Airavat or Erahwan came out during the churning of ocean. Elephant signifies power or strength.

Varun, faces West:

Varun is the guardian for west and rides on makar, which is part fish and part crocodile. Sometimes he is shown on a crocodile. Here, in this temple he is seen seated on geese supported by makar. Varun is the God of oceans/water and hence makes the rains and rivers.