17TH CENTURY

Vaishravana is the Guardian of the Northern Direction and the king of the Yakshas, typically benevolent spirits who tend to the wonders of the natural world. He is associated with the deity Kubera, and is also worshipped as a god of wealth. Much like his counterpart, he is shown holding his attribute of a mongoose, from which emanates a stream of jewels, pearls or coins symbolizing wealth and riches. While Vaishravana can be depicted holding one of a number of attributes in addition to the mongoose, the present figure would have probably held a banner in his raised right hand. Known as a dhvaja, or 'victory banner,' it is considered a symbol of Buddha's conquest of the armies of Mara. A form of Vaishravana holding a banner incorporating a tiger skin, which is associated with triumph over anger and aggression, is also known. See R. Beer, The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, Boston, 1999, pp.180-1, for a further discussion of the victory banners and their association with the present deity.