Dhritarashtra (Guardian of the East)

Chiguo Tianwang’s Sanskrit name is Dhṛtarāṣṭra; he is the foremost of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism and resides on the golden terrace on the eastern slope of Mount Sumeru, guarding the Eastern Continent of Jambudvīpa (East Pūrvavideha). 'Chiguo' signifies compassionate dedication to protecting the land and its people, and he commands the Gandharva and Piśāca spirit hosts. His iconic image holding a pipa carries profound meaning: just as lute strings must be tuned precisely—too loose and they produce no sound, too tight and they snap—so too must spiritual practice and worldly conduct follow the Middle Way, balancing effort and ease. Hence, folk tradition holds that Chiguo Tianwang presides over harmony and regulation. In the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings, he occupies the foremost position on the eastern side, together with Zengzhang Tianwang (Virūḍhaka), Guangmu Tianwang (Virūpākṣa), and Duowen Tianwang (Vaiśravaṇa), jointly guarding the temple gate and ensuring favourable weather and abundant harvests.