god of riches, and one of the guardians of the world. At the suggestion of his father Visravas, he took possession of Lanka for his abode, which was formerly built by Visvakarma for the Rakshasas, who through fear of Vishnu had recently forsaken it.

A Rakshas prince named Sumali, who had been driven to Patala, happening to visit the earth, saw Kuvera travelling in his chariot to visit his father. This leads him to devise a plan by which he might regain his former position. He sends his daughter Kaikasi to woo Visravas; she is kindly received and becomes the mother of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Suparnakha and Vibhishana. When Kaikasi saw the splendour of Kuvera, she urges Ravana to resemble him in glory; who, in order to effect this, undergoes most severe austerities for a thousand years, when Brahma grants him as a boon invincibility against all beings more powerful than men, and other gifts. Kuvera on Ravana's demand yields the city of Lanka.

It was noticed above that Kuvera was one of the guardians of the world; these are commonly said to be four in number. Rama mentions their names:

"May he whose hands the thunder wield [Indra],
Be in the East thy guard and shield:
May Yama's care the South befriend,
And Varuna's arm the West defend;
And let Kuvera, Lord of Gold,
The North with firm protection hold." [**]

[paragraph continues] When eight guardians are spoken of, the additional four are these: Agni has charge of the South-East, Surya of the South-West, Soma of the North-East, and Vayu of the North-West.

Kuvera is called the King of the Yakshasas--savage beings who, because the moment they were born said, "Let us eat," were called Yakshasas. These beings were ever on the watch for prey, and ate those they slew in battle.

Throughout the Ramayana there are brief references to Kuvera as the giver of riches, and also to the beauty of his palace and gardens. Thus Bharadvaja the sage, desirous of giving Rama and Lakshman a fitting reception, said--

"Here let Kuvera's garden rise,
Which far in Northern Kuru lies;
For leaves let cloth and gems entwine,
And let its fruit be nymphs divine." [**]