Like Yakshas (nature-spirits), they are often described as attendants of Kubera, the keeper of wealth, and protect his hidden treasures.
Kubera assigns them important tasks like delivering a magic eye-wash to the god and epic-hero Rama, to aid him in war.
[2][3] The soldiers who die by sword neither bravely nor cowardly, as mentioned in the Mahabharata war, are said to go to the abode of Guhyakas after death.
[4] The twin-physician gods Ashvins, annual plants, and inferior animals are described as Guhyakas.
[2] Though often associated with Kubera, the Brihat-Samhita of Varahamihira as well as some Puranas describe Guhyakas as attendants of Revanta, the son of the Sun-god Surya.