Kubera, the Hindu god of wealth, is revered for his association with prosperity and abundance. With origins in Hindu mythology, Kubera’s role as the guardian of treasures and riches has made him a significant deity in Hindu culture.
Kubera, the revered Hindu god of wealth, holds a rich history and fascinating legends that surround his origins. According to Hindu mythology, Kubera was born as the son of Visravas, the sage and son of the demon Pulastya, and his wife Ilavida.
One of the most prominent legends associated with Kubera is his acquisition of wealth and his rise to power.
As the story goes, Kubera performed intense penance and received a boon from Lord Shiva, which granted him the position of the lord of wealth and the riches of the world.
This divine blessing bestowed upon Kubera the responsibility of managing and distributing fortune and prosperity among beings.
Another compelling tale in the lore of Kubera is his encounter with the demon king Ravana. Ravana, known for his insatiable greed, sought to obtain limitless power and wealth.
In his pursuit, he performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted Ravana a sacred lingam, the symbol of divine power. However, an arrogant Ravana disrespected the lingam, which enraged Lord Shiva. To punish him, Lord Shiva transferred the powers of the lingam to his brother, Kubera.
This event further solidified Kubera’s supremacy as the god of wealth and prosperity, while Ravana's downfall was attributed to his excessive desire.
These legends and myths not only illustrate the origins of Kubera but also highlight the significance of wealth, karma, and moderation in Hindu culture.
Kubera’s journey from penance to power serves as a guiding principle for individuals seeking prosperity while reminding us of the consequences of unchecked greed and arrogance.
He is believed to govern the flow of money and trade and is invoked by merchants and traders seeking success in their ventures. Kubera is also considered the protector of hidden treasures and is sometimes depicted as the guardian of the eight directions.
Kubera's myth is intertwined with that of other Hindu deities.
Kubera's celestial abode is Alaka, a magnificent city atop Mount Kailas. He is closely associated with Vishnu, the preserver god, and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Kubera is believed to be the half-brother of Vishnu's avatar, Rama. However, Kubera's mythology also depicts a conflict with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Ravana, seeking to acquire Kubera's wealth, invaded Alaka and stole the celestial chariot, Pushpaka Vimana.
Kubera is depicted as a portly figure with a fair complexion, adorned with symbols of wealth such as a money bag, club, and conch shell.
Nine Forms of Kubera:
The procedures related to the worship of Vaishravana Kubera, including mantras, yantras, dhyana, and worship, etc. are specified in the Puranas. Different meditations of mantras are specified for different aims.
There are nine forms of Lord Kubera described in various texts.
1 - Ugra Kubera – This form of Kubera not only gives wealth but also destroys one's enemies.
2 - Pushpa Kubera - His upasana is done for love marriage, success in love, attainment of fame and respect, attainment of windfall profits, and retirement from all kinds of sufferings.
3 - Chandra Kubera - He is worshipped for getting money and sons. Chandra Kubera's meditation should be done to get a worthy child.
4 - Peet Kubera – Peeta or Yellow Kubera is worshiped for wealth and fame, financial success, getting huge vehicles, etc.
5 - Hamsa Kubera – Hamsa Kubera is worshipped for victory in unknown sorrows and other matters.
6 - Raga Kubera – Raga Kubera gives success in competitions and examinations, success in all the fine arts of dance, music, singing, painting, writing, etc
7 - Amrita Kubera – The sadhana of Amrita Kuber is divine and fruitful in life for all kinds of gains, freedom from disease, wealth, and deliverance from all kinds of illnesses and miseries.
8 - Prana Kubera - When you are unable to get rid of debt, Prana Kubera is worshipped to get rid of all kinds of debt.
9 - Dhana Kubera – As the name suggests, his Upasana is done for getting the best in life, for the fulfillment of all desires, and if luck is not supported, then Dhana Kubera is said to be the best of all.
Lord Kubera Temples:
Hindu devotees revere Kubera as the bestower of material prosperity. He is worshipped through prayers, offerings, and rituals. Temples dedicated to Kubera can be found throughout India, and his festival, Akshaya Tritiya, is celebrated with great fervor.
* Dhopeshwar Mahadev in Madhya Pradesh - This temple expresses the bonding between Lord Shiva and Lord Kubera. It has a unique idol of Shiva and Kubera in which both deities are shown together.
* Kubera Bhandari Temple in Gujarat - Situated on the banks of river Narmada this is the place where Lord Kubera performed his penance. It is believed that Lord Shiva built this temple around 2500 years ago. He also organized a Bhandara (free food donation) at this place.
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