Heruka

God. Buddhist (Mahayana). One of the most popular deities in the pantheon, though probably owing much to the influence of the Hindu god SˇIVA. Originally an epithet for another Hindu god, GANESA, but in Buddhism seen as an emanation of AKSOBHYA. His SAKTI is NAIRAMATA and the product of their liaison is nirvana (eternal bliss). Typically he stands upon a corpse. In northeastern India, Heruka is worshiped as a compassionate god. Attributes: club, flayed human skin, image of Aksobhya, jewel, knife, fifty skulls, sword, staff and teeth.

Budha (awakening)

1. Astral god. Hindu (Vedic, Epic and Puranic). The personification of the planet Mercury. The son of SOMA (CANDRA) and TARA or ROHINI. Depicted in a chariot drawn by eight horses or lions (sometimes a single lion). Color: yellow. Attributes: bow, club, rosary, shield and sword. Also Candraja and Candrasuta.

Candesvara (the lord of Canda)

Minor god. Hindu (Epic and Puranic). A benevolent aspect of SˇIVA. Also an attendant on Sˇiva, said to have been a youthful cowherd. He sits on a lotus throne. Attributes: arrow, ax, bow, club, crown, hatchet, noose, rosary, snake, trident and water jar.

Dhvajagrakeyura (ring on a banner)

Goddess. Buddhist (Mahayana). An emanation of AKSOBHYA. She sits on a sun throne. Color: dark blue, black or yellow. Attributes: club, image of Aksobhya, noose, pestle, prayer wheel, staff, sword, tiger skin and trident. Three-headed and three-eyed.

Buddhakapala (Buddha’s skullcap)

God. Buddhist (Mahayana). A significant emanation of AKSOBHYA. Alternatively a form of HERUKA. His SAKTI is CITRASENA. Color: blue-black. Attributes: club, cup, drum, image of Aksobhya and knife.

Bhima (terrible)

1. Warrior god. Hindu (Epic and Puranic). A prince of the mythical Pandu family and one of the heroes of the Mahabharata epic, Bhima is usually depicted wielding a sword and a club. He is a son of the god of the winds VAYU. He is perceived as a god of immense strength and great cruelty, which separates him from the heroic figure of ARJUNA, his brother, with whom he is linked in the epic. Attribute: a club. Also Bhimasena.

Candra

1. Planet god. Hindu (Epic and Puranic). Personified by the moon and also seen as a dikpala or guardian of the northern  direction. Consorts include KAUMUDI, TARA and the NAKSATRAS or astral goddesses. His son is BUDHA. He drives in a chariot drawn by ten white horses. Color: white. Attributes: club, lotus, sacred rope and prayer wheel. The term candra usually refers to the cup containing the sacrificial yellow beverage SOMA, often a synonym for the deity. Candra is also the apotheosis of the pale yellow moon disc.

Aparajita (unconquered)

1. God. Hindu (Puranic). One of the eleven EKADASARUDRAS or forms of RUDRA. Attributes: bell, bowl, club, drum, hook, lance, lotus, prayer wheel, rod, rosary, shield, sword and trident.

2. Minor god. Buddhist (Mahayana).
3. Goddess. Hindu (Puranic). Form of DURGA.