Yama (Buddhist protector deity of the south)
In esoteric Buddhism, Yama is one of the twelve devas and guards the southern direction. Distinct from the more familiar King Yama (閻魔大王) who judges the dead.
See also: 閻魔
Yama is one of the Twelve Devas in esoteric Buddhism and protects the south.
閻魔 (Yama) often refers to the judge of the dead in popular Buddhism, while 閻魔天 specifically denotes the esoteric Buddhist protector deity.
Standard kanji spelling for this Buddhist deity.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common.
From the Sanskrit name Yama, via Chinese Buddhist texts. The character 天 (deva) is added to indicate a heavenly protector deity in the esoteric Buddhist pantheon.