Virūḍhaka
Hindu and Buddhist mythology
Also known as: ʿPhags-skyes-po, Kōmoku, Tseng-chang
Quick Summary
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, Virūḍhaka is one of the four lokapālas, or guardians of the cardinal directions. Specifically, Virūḍhaka is the guardian of the south. In India, he is known as the king of the giant kumbhāṇḍas (pot-bellied gnomes) and is depicted as blue or green, carrying a sword. In Chinese Buddhism, he is called Tseng-chang and is associated with spring. The lokapālas are significant figures in Buddhist tradition, having participated in key events in the life of the Buddha.1
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