Virupaksa
Virupaksa is the Heavenly King of the west and one who sees all. His symbolic weapon is a snake or red cord that is representative of a dragon. Snake and dragon both means endless changes because their bodies are soft and will alter their body posture according to the environment. Virupaksa also holds a pearl in his other hand. In this complicated and consistently changing society, a buddhist has to know and uphold the principle of Buddhism. The pearl means that one can see things through clearly. Hence, one will not be confused, committed improper activities, and lose oneself in the environment. In order to have wisdom, one has to see more, read more and observe more.
As the eye in the sky, he sees people who do not believe in Buddhism and converts them. His ancient name means he who has broad objectives.
In Buddhism, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.
The Four Heavenly Kings are said to currently live in the Caturmaharajika Heaven (Four Great Kings Heaven/四天王天) on the lower slopes of Mount Sumeru(須彌山), which is the lowest of the six worlds of the devas of the Kamadhatu (Realm of Desire/六欲天). The four Heavenly Kings are located at the north, south, east, and west sides of Mount Sumeru because they are the protectors of the four continents of our world: Purvavideha to the east(東勝神洲), Jambudvipa to the south(南瞻部洲), Aparagodaniya to the west(西牛賀洲), and Uttarakuru to the north(北俱蘆洲). They are also the protectors of the world and fighters of evil, and each can command a legion of supernatural creatures to protect the Dharma.
They have a five-hundred-year lifespan, of which each day is equivalent to 50 years in our world; thus their total lifespan amounts to about nine million years in human calendar.
All four serve Sakra(the Lord of the Devas/帝釋天) of Trayastrimsa(忉利天). On the 8th, 14th and 15th days of each lunar month, the Four Heavenly Kings either send out messengers or go themselves to see how virtue and morality are faring in the world of men. Then they report upon the state of affairs to the assembly of the Trayastrimsa devas.
They are vowed to protect the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Buddha's followers from danger.