Dharmapala and mahapala are the Sanskrit names for spirits that in Tibetan are known as the shipdak and sadag. The shipdak are the local mountain deities. They show the way. The sadag are the spirit owners or lords of the land. Sa means soil and dag means owner. There are different shipdak and sadag for each of the four gates to Beyul Demoshong. Unless you appease these spirits, the way will not open.

— A Step Away from Paradise by Thomas K. Shor, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo (Page 159)