The "Purana"s and the epics "Mahabharata" and "Ramayana" grant Kubera unquestioned godhood. Kubera also acquired the status of the "Lord of riches" and the wealthiest Deva. He also becomes a "Loka-pala" ("world protector") and guardian ("dik-pala") of the North direction, although he is also sometimes associated with the East. Kubera's status as a "Loka-pala" and a "dik-pala" is assured in the "Ramayana", but in the "Mahabharata", some lists do not include Kubera. Thus, Kubera is considered a later addition to the original list of "Loka-pala"s, where the gods Agni or Soma appear in his place. This status, the "Ramayana" records, was granted to Kubera by Brahma—the creator-god and father of Pulastya—as a reward for his severe penance. Brahma also conferred upon Kubera the riches of the world ("Nidhis"), "equality with gods", and the Pushpaka Vimana, a flying chariot. Kubera then ruled in the golden city of Lanka, identified with modern-day Sri Lanka. The "Mahabharata" says that Brahma conferred upon Kubera the lordship of wealth, friendship with Shiva, godhood, status as a world-protector, a son called "Nalakubera"/"Nalakubara", the Pushpaka Vimana and the lordship of the "Nairrata" demons.