In Hinduism, Kartikeya is a warrior god mounted on a peacock. Kartikeya is especially popular in southern India, where he is known as Murugan. In Buddhism, Kartikeya is often known as Skandha, and is considered an important Dharma Protector. In Nepal, the god is venerated as Kumara, and depicted as a child, either dancing with a peacock or riding one. Kumara is considered to be a harbinger of monsoon rains.