The protector deity in Chinese Buddhism often shown as a young general who guards monasteries is Wei Tuo.
Wei Tuo, also called Weituo or Skanda, is regarded in Chinese Buddhism as a devoted guardian of Buddhist monasteries and the Dharma. He is commonly portrayed as a youthful Chinese military general wearing armor and holding or leaning on a vajra staff. His martial appearance reflects his vow to protect Buddhist teachings and monastic communities.
Temple placement helps identify him. In many Chinese temples, Wei Tuo faces the Buddha in the main shrine, while in others he stands to one side with his weapon. His image may also appear at the end of a sutra, symbolizing his promise to preserve the teachings. Traditional legends credit him with recovering the Buddha’s ashes from a demon.
The main confusion is between Wei Tuo and Guan Yu. Guan Yu can also appear as a guardian general, but he is a deified historical Chinese military figure associated with Qielan. Wei Tuo is the specifically Buddhist protector linked to Skanda and the Twenty-Four Celestial Guardian Deities.