The
Four Heavenly Kings have been a staple in
Buddhist art for centuries, with two distinct visual
forms: a royal representation in
India and Southeast
Asia and a warrior-like depiction in Central and East Asia. In Korea, the interpretation of these figures has been limited to their
Sanskrit title, "
Lokapala," which translates to 'guardians of the world.'
Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as The Historical
Buddha, has invoked the aid of the Four Heavenly
Kings in .