The name Vaisrava?a comes from the Sanskrit visrava?a which means 'Great Fame'.
Vaisrava?a is also known as Kubera in Sanskrit or Kuvera in Pali.
The character of Vaisrava?a is set up on the Hindu god Kubera, but although the Buddhist and Hindu deities share some characteristics, both of them have different functions and myths.
He is often shown with a yellow face. He carries an umbrella as a sign of his power. He is also sometimes shown with a mongoose, often shown spitting out jewels. The mongoose is the enemy of the snake, which is a symbol of greed or hatred; the spitting out of jewels shows generosity.