The guardian of the south

Introduction:

Virūḍhaka is a figure in Buddhist mythology who is revered as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, a group of deities who are believed to protect the Buddhist faith and to guard against evil. According to tradition, Virūḍhaka is the king of the South and is responsible for protecting the realm of the gods and the realm of the living. He is often depicted in art and literature as a powerful and majestic figure, holding a sword or other weapon and riding a horse or other powerful animal. Virūḍhaka is revered as a protector of the Buddhist faith and as a guardian against evil. Some people pray to him for protection and for assistance in overcoming difficulties.