Kubera (also known as Kuber) is a deity in Hindu mythology who is associated with wealth, prosperity, and material abundance.
We know that Kuber is considered as the god of wealth. However, our understanding regarding him is limited. They are lost on us; lying buried in the ancient Vedic books. As per the Hindu belief system, Kuber is considered as the god of wealth and the king of the semi-divine Yakshas. He is regarded as the regent of the North (Dikpala), and a protector of the world (Loka-pala). As per the Vishnudharmottara Purana, Kuber is described as the embodiment of both Artha (wealth, prosperity, glory) and Arthashastras. Kubera (also known as Kuber) is a deity in Hindu mythology who is associated with wealth, prosperity, and material abundance. He is the lord of the Yakshas (nature spirits) and is often depicted as a plump, pot-bellied figure with a smiling face and a crown on his head. Kubera is considered to be the guardian of the riches of the gods and is revered as the deity of wealth and prosperity. In Hindu tradition, Kubera is often invoked during rituals and ceremonies to bring abundance and prosperity. He is also believed to be able to remove obstacles and bring success in financial matters. Kubera is often depicted holding a wealth pot and a mace, which are symbols of his authority and power. In Hindu mythology, Kubera is also associated with the god Shiva and is often depicted as one of his devotees. He is revered as a powerful and benevolent deity who is able to grant wealth and prosperity to those who pray to him. Kubera is an important deity in Hinduism and is revered as the guardian of wealth and prosperity.
In Hindu mythology, Kubera and Lakshmi are two deities who are associated with wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Kubera is the lord of the Yakshas (nature spirits) and is considered the deity of wealth and prosperity, while Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity, good fortune, and beauty. Kubera and Lakshmi are often depicted together in Hindu art and literature and are revered as important deities who bring abundance and prosperity to those who pray to them. Both Kubera and Lakshmi are associated with the element of earth and are believed to bring abundance and prosperity to the material world. In Hindu tradition, Kubera and Lakshmi are often invoked together in rituals and ceremonies to bring prosperity and abundance. They are also revered as powerful and benevolent deities who are able to grant wealth and prosperity to those who seek their blessings. Both Kubera and Lakshmi are important deities in Hinduism and are revered as the guardians of wealth and prosperity.
Origins – as mentioned in Vedas and Puranas
In the Atharvaveda – where he appears first – and in the Shatapatha Brahmana, Kuber is mentioned as the chief of evil spirits, and as the son of Vaishrava. The Shatapatha Brahmana mentions him as the Lord of thieves and criminals. He acquired the status of a Deva in the Puranas and the Hindu epics. While in the Manu smriti, he is mentioned as a respectable Loka-pala and the patron of merchants. Both the Puranas and the Ramayana feature the half-blood siblings of Kuber as Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana and Soorpanaka. In the Mahabharata Kuber is described as the uncle of Ravana and his siblings.
Significance
Kuber as the deity of both wealth and prosperity lords over the and Arthashastras too. Kuber is the one who is said to have lent money to the god Venkateshwara (Vishnu of Tirupati temple) for his marriage with Padmavati. While Kuber still enjoys prayers as the god of wealth, his role is largely taken by the god of wisdom, fortune and obstacle-removal, Ganesha, with whom he is generally associated. He is said to have settled on Gandhamana mountain, near Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. His city is usually called Alakapuri. He also has the seven seers of the North in residence there. A description of Kuber’s magnificent court appears in the Mahabharata and Meghadoota. The Puranas and the Mahabharata record that Kuber was married to Bhadra, daughter of the demon Mura.
Iconography
Kuber’s complexion is described as that of lotus leaves. He rides a man and adorned in golden clothes and ornaments, symbolizing his wealth. His left eye is yellow. He wears an armour and a necklace down to his large belly. The purana further describes his face to be inclined to the left, sporting a beard and moustache, and with two small tusks protruding from the ends of his mouth, representing his powers to punish and to bestow favours. His wife Riddhi, representing the journey of life, is seated on his left lap, holding a ratna-patra (jewel-pot) in her right hand. Kuber should be four-armed, holding a gada and a shakti in his left pair, and standards bearing a lion—representing Artha and a Shemika. The Agni Purana states that Kuber should be installed in temples as seated on a goat, and with a club in his hand. Kuber’s image is prescribed to be that of gold, with multi-coloured attributes.
Prayers
Though still described as an asura, Kuber was offered prayers at the end of all ritual sacrifices. Only the Grihyasutras of Shankhayana and Hiranyakesin call him a god, and suggest offerings of meat, sesame seeds and flowers to him. A mantra called Lakshmi Kuber Mantra is chanted when praying to him. The festivals of Dhanteras and Sharad Purnima are two of the most auspicious times to offer prayers to Lord Kuber. There are several prayers and mantras that are traditionally used to invoke the blessings of Kubera, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. Here is one example of a prayer to Kubera:
“Om Hreem Shreem Kuberaya Namah”
This mantra is a powerful prayer to Kubera and is believed to bring prosperity, abundance, and success in financial matters. The mantra is typically recited 108 times, which is considered to be a sacred number in Hinduism.
Another popular prayer to Kubera is the “Kubera Gayatri Mantra,” which is a traditional Vedic mantra that is believed to bring prosperity and abundance. The mantra is as follows:
“Om Yakshaya Vidmahe Hasta Dharine Dheemahi Tanno Kubera Prachodayat”
This mantra can be recited daily as part of a devotional practice or can be used in specific rituals and ceremonies to invoke the blessings of Kubera.
It is also common to perform puja (worship) to Kubera by offering flowers, incense, and other offerings to the deity. Some people also perform specific rituals or perform charitable acts as a way of seeking the blessings of Kubera. Ultimately, the most important aspect of seeking the blessings of Kubera is to approach the deity with a sincere heart and a sincere desire for abundance and prosperity.
Temples
There are several temples dedicated to Kubera, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity, throughout India and Nepal. Here are a few examples of well-known Kubera temples:
Kubera Temple in Hampi, Karnataka: This temple is located in the ancient city of Hampi, which is known for its beautiful temple architecture. The Kubera Temple in Hampi is a small temple that is dedicated to Kubera and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures.
Kubera Temple in Nashik, Maharashtra: This temple is located in the city of Nashik in Maharashtra and is a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Kubera and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Kubera Temple in Pashupatinath, Nepal: This temple is located in the city of Kathmandu in Nepal and is one of the most important temples dedicated to Kubera. The temple is a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Kubera Temple in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand: This temple is located in the Himalayas and is a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Kubera and is known for its beautiful location and peaceful ambiance.
Kuber Temple in Karnali, Gujarat: This temple is located in the village of Karnali, which is close to the well-known town of Chanod. Chanod is a town in the Gujarat state of India, near the town of Dabhoi in the Vadodara district.
Overall, these are just a few examples of the many Kubera temples that can be found throughout India and Nepal. These temples are popular places of pilgrimage for Hindus and are revered as important spiritual centers.
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