Kubera according to Hindu Mythology is king of Yakshas and God of wealth. He is associated with the earth, mountains, and all treasures that lie underground such as minerals and jewels of gold, silver and pearls, precious stones, and Nine Nidhis. Kubera is the guardian of the north and is usually depicted as a dwarfish figure with a large paunch, holding a money bag or pomegranate, sometimes riding on a man. He is also known as Vaishravana and Jambhala. He is a popular figure in Buddhist and Jain mythology as well.
Kubera is the custodian of material wealth and is entrusted with the task of distributing the riches while creating wealth is the sole domain of Goddess Lakshmi.
Originally depicted as the chief of evil spirits in the Vedic era texts, he acquired the status of Devas only in Puranas and the Hindu epics. The scripture describes that Kubera once ruled Lanka but was later overthrown by his half-brother Ravana and later settled in the city of Alakapuri near the Himalayas. In Jainism, he is known as Sarvanubhuti. In Tibet, the mongoose is considered a symbol of Kubera’s victory over Nagas.
In the Vishnudharmottara Purana, Kubera is described as the embodiment of both Artha( wealth, prosperity, glory) and Arthasastra mirrors it. Kubera’s complexion is described as that of lotus leaves. He rides a man, adorned in golden clothes and ornaments symbolizing wealth. His left eye is yellow and he wears armour and a necklace down his large belly. The Vishnudharmottara Purana further describes his face to be inclined to the left, sporting a beard and a mustache, and with two protruding tusks from the ends of his mouth. His wife Riddhi, sitting on his left lap, with her left hand on the back of Kubera. The Agni Purana states that Kubera should be installed in temples, as seated on a goat and with a club in his hand. Kubera’s image is prescribed to be that of gold, with multicolored attributes.
He is further depicted as a dwarf with three legs, white skin, and only eight teeth. Lord Brahma requested the holy sage Viswamitra to build a chariot for Kubera so that he could move freely. Sage built a chariot and it is called a Pushpak which is a large flying chariot that can move on its own. This allowed Kubera to move around and rain precious items and jewels to needy people.
Both Kubera and Lakshmi are worshipped for wealth and both are regarded to bring fortune and prosperity to us but Kubera is specifically worshipped by shop owners and businessmen for bringing fortune in their business. There is a story in which Kubera was taught a lesson for his arrogance.
Kubera, the lord of wealth and prosperity decided to organize a grand party and he invited all the gods the secret idea behind this was to show off his wealth. He invited thousands of sages and gods to his party including Lord Shiva. Kubera personally went and invited Lord Shiva very politely. Lord Shiva knowing his true intention decided to teach him a lesson. He decided to send Lord Ganesha instead of himself going. Shiva told Kubera, that due to some reasons he would not be attending the party, instead sending little Ganesha and asked Kubera to take good care of him. Kubera agreed and went away.
The next day everyone came to the party and were amazed to see the luxuries of Kubera. Kubera himself welcomed Little Ganesha and after Lord Ganesha sat at the Dining table, he started eating all the food. When he was served with the second set of food, Ganesha in one gulp swallowed everything and asked for more food. Kubera seeing this, ran to Lord Shiva and asked him to stop Ganesha.
Lord Shiva heard the story and asked Kubera to serve Ganesha a handful of roasted rice with kindness, and love. Lord Kubera went back to his palace and served Ganesha a handful of rice with humbleness and love. Ganesha ate this and was satisfied and Kubera learnt a good lesson from this.
Kubera Pooja is performed by sanctified priests with the requisite skills. Traditionally Lord Kubera is worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi on Amavasya day. However, Lord Kubera is also worshipped on Dhan trayodashi day during Deepavali for five days and his pooja can also be performed on any auspicious Muhurat during the year.
Lord Kubera provides his devotees abundant wealth and prosperity and these benefits can be obtained by performing Kubera pooja. It increases your income flow. It brings you money, keeps all evil away from your life, and makes you healthy affluent, and successful. This pooja brings success and happiness into your life. This pooja also assists you in obtaining money through proper ways if by any chance money inflow reduces due to negative karma.
Let us perform this pooja and get benefits.
