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Other names: Kuvera, Kubera, Dhanapati

The chief deity of the Northern direction Kuber is known in the names of Yaksharaj, Guyhapati and Nidhipati. He is the master of Yagya (religious sacrifice), wealth and Alkanagari is the city of Lord Kuber. He was born with whitish body, three feet and eight teethes. Because of this clumsy and shabby body, he was called Ku-ber (vile body). His attributes include a mace, a purse containing money, a fruit and a bowl. His father was Sage Vishrava and mother was Ilvida.

Sage Vishrava’s second wife was Kaikeshi who gave birth to the famous King of Lanka, Ravan. Kuber who was Ravan’s elder brother is mentioned as a friend of Lord Shiva in the Puranas. The city of Lanka was designed for Kuber, by Vishwakarma, architect of the devtas (deities). Ravan had snatched Kuber’s Pushpak Vimaan (plane) from him and compelled him to leave Lanka. Kuber left Lanka in fear of Ravan and resided at Alkapuri.

Lord Kuber is the Lord of all the treasures on earth and even rules over the riches buried and unclaimed inside the earth. Lord Kuber is worshipped and propitiated for quick financial gains, unexpected gain of money through lotteries and a prosperous business. Lord Kuber is the basis of gain of unlimited wealth and prosperity. According to ancient Vedic books of Ramayan, Kuber made the Golden Lanka, which was taken by his brother Ravan. Apart from wealth, Kuber is also believed to be the symbol of strength.

Kuber, the honored deity of the people, rewards his devotees with strength and wealth. Even in Buddhism and Jain religion, we find a mention of Kuber in the form of Jamb hell and Mallikanath respectively. In the Indian art, Kuber is established as an honorable deity. In many centres of Indian art, we find large number of engraved idols of Kuber.

We find a mention of Kuber in the Vedas also. In the Vedas, he is said to be the master of Devtas and Asuras (deities and demons). In the public minds of India, Kuber’s famous image is of the God of wealth.

Once, Kuber saw Lord Shiva sitting with Goddess Parvati. He was stunned to see the splendor and beauty of Goddess Parvati. He felt sorry that he had not worshipped such a fine goddess for so long and one of his eyes shut itself.

Goddess Parvati got angry that Kuber was winking at her, and looking at her with evil intention. She made his eye burst. Kuber lost sight in one eye and was also cursed that he would always look ugly. Lord Kuber pleaded with Lord Shiva to forgive him and explained that he had not seen the Goddess with any evil intention. Lord Shiva left the choice to His consort. Goddess Parvati forgave Kuber and let the eye grow back, but it was smaller than the other one.

So, one eye of Kuber is smaller than the other. Kuber was rewarded by Lord Shiva with the post of being one of the guards of the eight directions - the North. The Goddess made him the lord of wealth and material.

As the God of wealth and material, his responsibilities are to distribute them while creating wealth is with Goddess Laxmi. Kuber is mostly painted with his family and seen showering gold coins and navaratnas (nine jewels relating to the nine planets).

Performing pooja to Lord Kuber is believed to enrich one's life. To have a wealthy and comfortable life, one has to perform Sri Laxmi Kuber Pooja. There are separate mantras and rituals for the pooja. Thursday is the most auspicious day for Kuber.