The Direction a Temple is Facing and the Guardian of the Direction

There are 8 primary directions, of which 4 are Cardinal (Kendra) and the remaining four are of the corners (Kona). Added to them, we have two more directions, vertically up and vertically down. There are thus 10 directions altogether.

These 10 directions are governed by 10 Dikpalas, or the Guardian of the directions. Among the Grahas, the Navagraha + Lagna, guard the 10 directions as well. These Grahas face the direction which they guard; for instance, Surya faces the East, and guards this direction. The Dikapala of this direction is Indra, the King among the Devatas.

Now, what can we learn from this? The Guardians of the direction are capable of granting Boons and Blessings, and the characteristics of these boons can be understood from the Grahas guarding these directions as well. For instance, if we were to understand, what to ask from Lord Indra, we can get the answer from Surya, the King, and the significator for power, authority and governance. If you

want promotion at work, increase your power and dominance, and rise in authority, you must pray to lord Indra facing him. Now, an important catch here. If Lord Indra/ Surya faces the East, which direction must you face toward to worship them? Isn't it the opposite direction? Meaning if the Devata to whom you are worshipping is facing the East, you must face towards the West to worship the Devata. Right?

The Dikpalas and the Grahas associated with the directions are the primary forms, from which we can understand the quality of the direction, and the strengths and weaknesses that one can derive by following a certain direction. What is shown by the Dikpala, can be associated with any Devata who is facing the direction denoted by the Dikpala. For instance, if Indra/Surya face towards East, and

we noticed that we can ask for the blessings of authority, power and influence from them; the same can be requested form any other Devata who is facing the Eastern Direction. Therefore, if you are in a Temple, that is directed towards the East, you can ask for things that Indra/Surya has to offer. If I am you, I would rather ask for the power of Gayatri, which lord Surya holds, so that I can overcome all the sins, and evil that I have imbibed over several births.

Now, let us focus on the directions, the Grahas and the Devatas associated. From this, a wise Jyotisha should decipher the blessings that one should be asking. There are myriads of things in life, and it is not possible or practical to list down everything. What is important here is that one should depend on one's prior experiences, and judgement to decipher this.

1. East: Indra/Surya: Power, authority, influence, political success, rise of status, promotion, Gayatri Mantra, overcoming weaknesses and evil, improving initiative, ability to initiate something etc.

2. South-East: Agni/Shukra: Power to withstand great opposition, ability to burn and destroy the evil, success in war and battle, rise in corporate sector, persistence, and stamina, overcoming debilitating sicknesses, luxury, comforts and companionship etc.

3. South: Yama/Mangala: Victory in battle, success in brahmacharya, overcoming debts, overcoming enmity, success in sports, yoga, and other forms of physical exercises etc.

4. South-West: Nirriti/Rahu: Ability to overcome chaos and disorder, success in a completely uncertain activities, in a foreign land having foreign culture and habits, overcoming hidden enemies and machinations etc.

5. West: Varuna/Shani: Overcoming physical debility, and ill-health, overcoming poverty, patience, perseverance, and stamina to complete huge task at hand etc.

6. North-West: Vayu/Candra: Power to rejuvenate (soma), Prana, Pranayama, steadiness in the mind, stimulating imagination, innovation and creativity, ability to interact with the society effectively etc.

7. North: Budha/Kubera: Wealth, fortune, success in financial trade and business, success in writing a book, etc.

8. North-East: Īśāna/ Brhaspati: Ability to reflect within, and connect to the almighty god, intellectual stimulation, spiritual knowledge (Gnana), overcoming financial challenges, overcoming various evils in life, right guidance from the intellect or the Guru, getting access to one's Guru etc.

To find the direction of the Principle Devata in a Temple, look at the Navagraha Vigraha, and determine the direction faced by Surya. This direction is always East, and from this, the remaining Directions can be deciphered.

Om Tat Sat