Virudhaka

One of the Four Great Kings

Virudhaka [Tib. Pak Kyepo]

Guardian King of the South The leader of the kumbhandas, fierce beings who reside in the desire realms of the heavens.

Virudhaka, along with the other guardian kings, protected Buddha Shakyamuni's mother before the prince was born and continued to assist him during his lifetime. Today he protects beings who have led a virtuous life from Yama, the god of death, and uses his power to ward off anything that would disrupt the Dharma.

Because his touch is harmful to beings he carries a sword to prevent them from approaching him.