Jambhala, God of Riches

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In Mahayana Buddhism, Jambhala is the god of riches and the guardian of the northern direction. He is the Buddhist equivalent of Kubera, the ancient nature spirit (yaksha) absorbed in early Hinduism as the protector of jewels and other treasures. Jambhala serves as the chief of the yaksha; his secondary role as a directional guardian (dikpaka) was probably assumed later.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art