Vessavana is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, and is considered an important figure in Buddhism. Vessavana  is the guardian of the northern direction, and his home is in the northern quadrant of the topmost tier of the lower half of Sumeru. He is the leader of all the yakṣas who dwell on the Sumeru’s slopes. He carries an umbrella or parasol as a symbol of his sovereignty and is also sometimes displayed with a mongoose, often shown ejecting jewels from its mouth. The mongoose is the enemy of the snake, a symbol of greed or hatred; the ejection of jewels represents generosity. In Thai legend, he resolves the dispute that arose in the legend of Nang Ai and Phadaeng.