KUBERA , KUMERA (KUVERA) …..There are many Kumers (Kubers)….. (Sarang M. 5, p. 1236) According to Mahabharata, Kubera (Kuvera) was the son of Pulastya. Ravana was his half-brother. The city of kuvera is called Alaka which is situated in the Himalayas. Once he was also in the possession of the city of Lanka, from which he was expelled by Ravana. He propitiated Brahma for a very long time and obtained the boon of immortality. He became one of the guardian deities of the world and also the god of wealth. He was also given by Brahma, the self-moving aerial car Pushpaka, \’which was seized from him by his half-brother Ravana. He is the king of the Yakshas.
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Kubera, also known as Kuvera or Vaishravana, is the god of wealth and the king of the Yakshas (nature-spirits) in Hindu mythology. He is revered as the treasurer of the gods, ensuring the safeguarding and distribution of riches. A fascinating and complex figure, Kubera’s story blends mythology, morality, and divine hierarchy.
Key Aspects of Kubera:
Lineage and Family:
- Kubera was born to Sage Vishrava and Ilavida, making him a half-brother of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
- Initially, Kubera was the rightful ruler of Lanka, but he was overthrown by Ravana, who seized the throne by force. After this, Kubera established his kingdom in Alaka, near Mount Kailash.
Role as the God of Wealth:
- Kubera is the divine custodian of all earthly treasures, including gold, jewels, and riches buried within the earth. He is responsible for the proper distribution of wealth, ensuring balance and ethical use of resources.
- As the treasurer of the gods, he manages divine wealth and is often invoked during rituals to attract prosperity.
Association with Deities:
- Kubera is closely associated with Lord Shiva and is said to be a staunch devotee of the deity. His kingdom, Alaka, is located near Shiva’s abode on Mount Kailash.
- In addition, Kubera is linked to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and is often invoked alongside her during ceremonies for prosperity.
Depiction:
- Kubera is usually depicted as a plump figure adorned with jewels, symbolizing wealth and abundance. He is shown holding a money pot, a mace, or a pomegranate, and he often rides a Pushpaka Vimana (a celestial flying chariot).
Symbolism:
- Kubera represents material wealth, prosperity, and the ethical use of resources. While he is the lord of riches, his role serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing material and spiritual pursuits.
Mythological Tales:
- One popular tale involves Kubera’s banquet for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shiva’s adopted son, Ganesha, devoured all the food prepared for the feast, prompting Kubera to realize the limitations of material wealth in satisfying divine grace.
- Kubera also gifted the Pushpaka Vimana to Lord Shiva, which Ravana later usurped.
Worship and Influence:
- Devotees worship Kubera to attract wealth and prosperity, often combining his worship with that of Lakshmi, especially during Diwali.
- In temples, Kubera is sometimes depicted as a guardian deity, symbolizing the safeguarding of treasures.
Kubera’s life and legend highlight the importance of wealth as a means to support righteous living rather than indulgence. His dual role as a treasurer and devotee inspires a balance between material prosperity and spiritual growth.
