Deity,Deitties
A form of being who possesses wonderful powers, fulfills the desires of devotees, and provides protection.
In Sanatana Dharma, all those mentioned below are considered deities.
The Dashadikpalakulu refer to the ten deities who protect the ten directions of our universe (the eight cardinal directions, plus the upward and downward directions). The ten directions and their respective presiding deities are as follows
| Sn.o | Direction | Dikpalaka Name | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East | Indra | |
| 2 | South-East | Agni | |
| 3 | South | Yama | |
| 4 | South-West | Nirriti | |
| 5 | West | Varuna | |
| 6 | North-West | Vayu | |
| 7 | North | Kubera | |
| 8 | North-East | Ishana | |
| 9 | Urdhvam (Sky) | Brahma | |
| 10 | Adho (Earth) | Ananta Sheshu |
Usually, in Vastu Shastra, the first eight deities are referred to as the 'Ashtadikpalakulu'. By adding Brahma for the sky above and Ananta for the earth (the underworld) below, they are known as the 'Dashadikpalakulu'.
Village deities are believed to protect the village from diseases and evil forces. Annual festivals (Jataras) or celebrations are grandly organized in their honor by the villagers.