Pashupati

[1][2] Pashupati is traditionally considered to be the guardian deity of Nepal, described in texts such as the Nepala Mahatmya, found in regional versions of the Skanda Purana.

In the Atharvaveda, Rudra is described to be the lord of the bipeds and the quadrupeds, including creatures that inhabited the earth, woods, the waters, and the skies.

His lordship over cattle and other beasts denoted both a benevolent and destructive role; he slew animals that incurred his wrath, but was also kind to those who propitiated him, blessing them with health and prosperity.

When they finally discovered Shiva in the Himalayas, they were surprised to find him bearing one horn, three eyes, surrounded by his consort and a flock of deer.

When the deities begged Shiva to return to his abode and his place in the universe, he told them that he would reside in the forest for all time in the form of the deer, and would henceforth be known as Pashupati.

They face the west, north, east, south and zenith respectively, representing the pancha bhuta (five basic elements) of the Hindu cosmos, namely earth, water, air, light and ether.