Tumburu is mentioned as the courtier of Indra - the god-king of heaven - as well as of Kubera, the God of riches. He is described as a follower of Kubera; his songs usually heard when passing Kubera's abode on Gandhamandana mountain. Tumburu is described as the special friend of Kubera and leads the Gandharvas in music and singing, which is performed by Gandharvas and Kinnaras. Tumburu is described as a lord of Gandharvas, along with other lords like Haha-Huhu, Parvata, Citraratha. Tumburu is sometimes mentioned as a Muni (sage), rather than a Gandharva. Tumburu is also described to lead Gandharvas to watch the battles of men and goes to Mount Meru to worship with the divine sage Narada and other Gandharvas.