The Hindu Temple v1.c6.s5.76

v1.c6.s5.76

Outside the Vāstu, in the eight directions, having position but no plots, are stationed homeless presences¹⁰⁵: Śarva-Skanda in the east, Aryaman in the south, Jṛmbhaka in the west, and in the north, Pilipiñjā. Śarva-Skanda are aspects of Agni; Śarva is the fiery essence in the Waters, Skanda is the ninth form of Agni (Kumāra)¹⁰⁶ or, also he is said to be the son of Adbhuta Agni (Mbh. Vana. 225. 2). Aryaman guards the south and in this position he is the chief of the Pitṛs. The story of Jṛmbhaka (Jṛmbhika) is told in the 'Mahābhārata' (Udyoga Parva 9. 60-63). He was created by the gods as a great being to destroy Vṛtra; for Vṛtra had fought with Indra whom he whirled into his mouth. Jṛmbhika is the Yawn; Vṛtra yawned and out leapt Indra. From this time on, Jṛmbhika is part of breathing. The identity of Varuṇa 'ab intra' with Ahi-Vṛtra is confirmed by Jṛmbhaka, being stationed in front of the side of the Vāstu which is ruled over by Varuṇa, and outside it, like his yawn itself and carried there by breath (asu), the breath of the Asura who is Varuṇa: and also Rāhu; placed outside, a sign of fatigue and relaxation in which is release "from the jaws of the monster". Pilipiñjā in the north, incites the Moon (pil-piñja), the Protector of the north, to the continual shaping of living forms.