Category Lokapalas

Lokapāla means "guardian of the world" in Sanskrit and Pāli. The term has different uses depending on whether it is found in a Hindu or Buddhist context. In Hinduism, lokapāla refers to the Guardians of the Directions associated with the eight, nine and ten cardinal directions. In Buddhism, lokapāla refers to the Four Heavenly Kings, and to other protector spirits. Lokapāla is one of two broad categories of Dharmapāla (protectors of the Buddhist religion) -the other category .