noun
Skanda; swift-footed guardian deity
Buddhist guardian deity known for his legendary speed. Often depicted as a protector of temples.
お寺の門に韋駄天の像が立っている。
A statue of Skanda stands at the temple gate.
noun
great runner; speedster
Figurative use likening a person to the swift deity. Often used in the phrase 韋駄天走り (いだてんばしり) for very fast running.
彼は韋駄天のような速さで走った。
He ran with the speed of a great runner.
あの選手はまさに韋駄天だ。
That athlete is truly a speedster.
From the Buddhist deity Skanda (Skanda in Sanskrit), known for his swiftness. The figurative sense developed from this association.