Vaishravana

One of the Four Great Kings

Vaishravana [Tib. Namtösé]

Guardian King of the North The leader of the yakshas.

Wearing golden armour, Vaishravana protected the gods from the asuras (demi-gods).

Vaishravana now occupies the highest position among the Four Guardian Kings and specifically protects Shakyamuni’s vinaya teachings, protecting those who practise shila (self-discipline).

Because his breath is harmful he keeps his mouth tightly closed. He confers spiritual and material wealth on practitioners of the Dharma, symbolized by the jewel-producing mongoose in his left hand.