Virudhaka – The Heavenly King of the Southern Direction

Virudhaka is one of the four heavenly Guardian Kings in Buddhism along with Dhritarashtra, Virūpākṣa and Vaiśravaṇa. He is the guardian of the Southern direction and rules over the extremely beautiful city of Sudarsana. This mythical city is spread over an area of 6000 sq Yojana towards the south of the Sumeru mountain.

Virudhaka is the king of the Pretas and the Kumbhanda. Kumbhanda is a class of spirits like Yaksha, Asura and Nagas. Kumbhandas are dwarf and are misshapen deities in Buddhist mythologies. These deities resemble gourd in some sense example having big stomach. They dwell in cemeteries.

Shakyamuni Buddha instructed Virudhaka to protect and guard Buddhism in his territory where thousand Buddhas come to bless the sentient beings.

Virudhaka relieves people of their sufferings and give them hope and Joy. He is a symbol of success and progress.

Iconography of Virudhaka

Virudhaka appears regal in images. His face is blue in color with black eyebrows, moustache and a beard. His right hand holds a long sword at his waist. In-fact I identify Virudhaka by his sword only. In Nepalese tradition he is known as Khadagraja. His left hand rests on his knees. His drawn-out sword represents him as the defender of the faith.

His large bulbous eyes gaze to the side. He wears an ornate headdress of gold and the precious jewels. He wears beautiful earrings and ribbons. His brocade is royal, opulent with silks and elaborate designs in a variety of colors. He sits on a deer-skin or tiger-skin. His symbol is horse.

An irregular dark green areola encircles his head. On the edge of this circle there are licks of flame in various colors. The swirling clouds of different colors fill the background.

Position of Virudhaka

In monasteries he is on the corner of the roof and the entrances of the monasteries.

Mantras of Virudhaka

For Success and Progress in Life, recite the Mantra of King Virudhaka:
OM VIRUDHAKA KUMBHANDADHIPATA YE SOHA

The Sword in Virudhaka’s right hand signifies his fierce determinism to protect the dharma and to protect those who lead righteous life. The sword also signifies authority over ignorance. It embodies wisdom, capable of slicing through ignorance and fragmented thoughts. His blue color and fiery beard reflects his unwavering deterministic nature.

References

Buddhist Deities and Masters – An introduction by Chandra B Sakya

The iconography of Nepalese Buddhism by Min Bahadur Shakya

Series Navigation

<< Dhritarashtra – The Heavenly king of the Eastern DirectionVirupaksha – The Heavenly King of the West Direction >>