Kubera
कुबेर • Kubera
"The Deformed One (from kumbha = pot); or Chief/Head (ku = earth + bera = body)"
Category & Classification
Iconography
Attributes & Weapons
- Gada (Mace) (One hand) - Authority; protection of wealth
- Nakula (Mongoose) (Sometimes) - Mongoose spitting jewels; abundance
- Nidhi pots - Nine treasures he possesses
- Gold/Jewels - Wealth he bestows
Distinctive Features
- Short stature (sometimes dwarf-like)
- Pot belly
- Golden complexion
- Adorned with precious jewels
- Holds mace or mongoose
- Surrounded by treasures
- Sometimes shows eight teeth
Family & Relations
| Origin | Son of Vishrava (hence Vaishravana) and Ilavida/Ilavila; half-brother of Ravana |
| Father | Vishrava (great sage) |
| Mother | Ilavida/Ilavila |
| Consort | Riddhi (or Bhadra/Charayi) |
| Children | Nalakubara, Manigriva |
Mythology & Stories
Son of Vishrava (hence Vaishravana) and Ilavida/Ilavila; half-brother of Ravana
Kubera shows that wealth rightly earned through tapas (austerity) is blessed. He lost Lanka to adharmic Ravana but regained prosperity through righteousness. He represents the proper use of wealth.
Obtaining Pushpaka Vimana
Through severe penance, Kubera pleased Brahma, who made him God of Wealth, King of Yakshas, and gave him the Pushpaka Vimana (flying palace) and the city of Lanka.
Source: Puranas
Displaced by Ravana
Kubera's half-brother Ravana, through his penance and power, drove Kubera out of Lanka and seized the Pushpaka Vimana. Kubera then established his capital at Alaka in the Himalayas.
Source: Ramayana
Friend of Shiva
Kubera became a dear friend and devotee of Shiva. He visits Kailash regularly and is considered part of Shiva's gana (entourage). His northern location is near Kailash.
Source: Shiva Purana
Gift to Rama
After Ravana's defeat, the Pushpaka Vimana was returned to Kubera. He gladly let Rama use it to return to Ayodhya, showing his generous nature.
Source: Ramayana
Nine Treasures (Nidhi)
Kubera guards the nine great treasures (Nava Nidhi). These cosmic treasures represent different forms of wealth: Padma, Mahapadma, Makara, Kacchapa, Mukunda, Nanda, Nila, Shankha, and Kharva.
Source: Puranic tradition
Worship & Mantras
Mantras
Om Yaksheshwaraya Vidmahe Dhanadaya Dhimahi Tanno Kubera Prachodayat
Om Kuberaya Namah
Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhana-dhanyadhipataye Dhana-dhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Svaha
Om Uttaradikpati Kuberaya Namah
Offerings
- Gold items
- Yellow flowers
- Sweets
- Coins
- Rice
Occasions
- Dhanteras (wealth worship)
- Diwali (Lakshmi-Kubera puja)
- When seeking wealth and prosperity
- Vastu puja for north direction
- Business ventures
Temples
Few dedicated temples; worshipped alongside Lakshmi
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Treasurer of gods; king of Yakshas; lord of riches
- Pot belly represents abundance contained
- Short stature shows humility despite wealth
- Friend of Shiva shows wealth can be spiritual
- Lost Lanka to adharma, regained through dharma - righteous wealth
| Teaching | Wealth earned through righteousness is blessed; hoarding without giving brings loss |
