Lord Kubera – God of Wealth, Treasurer of Gods & Hindu Lord of Prosperity

Lord Kubera: The God of Wealth, Prosperity, and Divine Treasures in Hinduism

By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World

Introduction

Lord Kubera is widely known in Hinduism as the God of Wealth, Treasures, and Material Prosperity. He is regarded as the treasurer of the gods (Devas) and the king of Yakshas, celestial beings associated with riches and natural abundance. Unlike Goddess Lakshmi, who represents spiritual and divine prosperity, Lord Kubera is believed to be the guardian of worldly wealth and resources.

His presence is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and Vedas. Devotees worship Lord Kubera for financial stability, business growth, success, and protection of assets.

Who is Lord Kubera?

Lord Kubera, also known as Kuber, Kuvera, Vaisravana, or Dhanapati, is a powerful deity associated with wealth and guardianship. He is considered one of the Lokapalas (Guardians of Directions) and rules the North direction, which symbolizes prosperity and opportunities.

He is often depicted as:

A short and stout deity with a cheerful expression

Wearing heavy ornaments and royal attire

Holding a money bag, mace, or fruit symbolizing abundance

Seated on a throne or riding a human or mythical creature

Kubera is not just a symbol of money but also represents responsible wealth management and generosity.

Origin and Birth of Lord Kubera

According to Hindu scriptures:

Lord Kubera is the son of Sage Vishrava and Ilavida.

He is the half-brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka, as Ravana was born from Vishrava’s second wife Kaikesi.

Kubera originally ruled the golden city of Lanka, which was later taken by Ravana.

After losing Lanka, Kubera established his divine kingdom in Alakapuri near Mount Kailash.

His association with Lord Shiva became very strong after he moved near Mount Kailash, and he is considered a devoted follower of Shiva.

Lord Kubera’s Role in Hindu Mythology

1. Treasurer of the Gods

Kubera manages divine wealth and distributes prosperity among gods and humans according to karma.

2. King of Yakshas

He rules over Yakshas, supernatural beings known as guardians of treasures hidden in the earth.

3. Guardian of the North Direction

In Vastu Shastra and Hindu cosmology, Kubera protects the northern direction, considered the direction of wealth and opportunities.

4. Friend and Devotee of Lord Shiva

Kubera is closely associated with Lord Shiva and often appears in stories related to Mount Kailash.

Kubera and Ravana: The Mythological Connection

One of the most popular stories describes Kubera and Ravana as half-brothers. Kubera possessed the magical flying chariot Pushpaka Vimana, which Ravana seized after defeating him. This story emphasizes that wealth without righteousness can be misused, a major spiritual lesson in Hindu teachings.

Kubera’s Kingdom: Alakapuri

Kubera is believed to reside in Alakapuri, a celestial city filled with unimaginable treasures. The city is located near Mount Kailash and is described as:

*Full of gold, gems, and divine beauty

*Protected by Yakshas and celestial beings

*A symbol of prosperity earned through devotion and righteousness

*Symbols and Attributes of Lord Kubera

Lord Kubera’s iconography carries deep meaning:

Money Bag or Pot of Gems: Symbol of abundance

Mace: Authority and protection of wealth

Pomegranate or Fruit: Fertility and prosperity

Heavy Jewelry: Royal power and prosperity

Short Stature: Reminder that true wealth lies in wisdom, not physical appearance

Worship of Lord Kubera

Kubera Puja

Devotees perform Kubera Puja to attract financial growth, remove debt, and stabilize income.

Popular Occasions

*Diwali (especially Dhanteras)

*Akshaya Tritiya

*Dhanteras and Lakshmi Puja days

*Business inaugurations and housewarming ceremonies

Common Offerings

*Yellow flowers

*Sweets and fruits

*Coins or gold items

*Incense and ghee lamps

*Kubera Mantras

Chanting Kubera mantras is believed to attract prosperity and financial stability.

Popular Kubera Mantra:

“Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhana Dhanyadi Pataye Dhana Dhanyadi Samriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha.”

Benefits believed by devotees:

*Financial growth

*Removal of poverty

*Business success

*Stability in wealth

*Kubera in Vastu Shastra

In Vastu Shastra, the North direction is considered Kubera’s direction.

Tips related to Kubera in Vastu:

Keep the north direction clean and open

Place valuables or lockers facing north

Avoid heavy clutter in the north area

Maintain good lighting in the northern part of the house

Kubera in Buddhism and Jainism

Kubera is also respected in:

Buddhism, where he is known as Vaisravana, a protector deity

Jainism, where he appears as a guardian figure

This shows Kubera’s influence across multiple Indian spiritual traditions.

Spiritual Lessons from Lord Kubera

Lord Kubera’s stories teach several important values:

Wealth should be earned through righteous means

Generosity and charity maintain prosperity

Pride and greed can lead to downfall

Financial discipline is a form of spiritual practice

Conclusion

Lord Kubera is more than just the god of money; he represents responsible wealth, prosperity, and divine guardianship of resources. His stories remind devotees that wealth must be balanced with humility, devotion, and ethical living. Worshipping Lord Kubera is believed to bring financial stability, growth, and protection from economic hardships, making him one of the most respected deities in Hindu tradition.