Kubera, otherwise known as Kuvera (fig.), is the god of wealth in both Hinduism, Jainism and Mahayana Buddhism. He is a half-brother of Ravana, who defeated him and usurped his throne. In Hinduism, he is guardian of the North and rules over the yakshas and kinnaras, who guard his treasures. In this sculpture at a Khajuraho temple (fig.), he is hence located at the northern side and is represented holding a mongoose, a civet-like mammal which is believed to be a creator of wealth (fig.).