Who is Dikpala - Kubera
Kubera (also known as Vaiśravaṇa) is the Hindu deity of wealth and the guardian (dikpala) of the northern direction. His origins are traced to the Rigveda, where he is mentioned as a lord of treasures and a king of the Yakshas (Rigveda 10.142.2). In the Puranas, he is described as the son of sage Viśravas and the half-brother of the demon king Rāvaṇa. According to the Ramayana (Uttara Kanda), Kubera originally ruled the city of Laṅkā but was overthrown by Rāvaṇa, after which he moved to his celestial city Alakāpuri on Mount Kailāsa, where he serves as a close associate of Lord Śiva. Iconographically, Kubera is depicted as a potbellied figure, often seated on a lotus throne, holding a money pot (nidhi) and a mace or club. His complexion is described as golden or yellow, and he is adorned with rich ornaments.
His mount is a man (sometimes a lion or elephant), and his emblem is a mongoose that vomits jewels, symbolizing his mastery over wealth. The mongoose is said to be the enemy of snakes, representing the victory over greed. Kubera is also the lord of the Yakshas, Kinnaras, and Guhyakas, semi-divine beings who guard treasures. In the Mahabharata (Vana Parva), he is depicted as a generous lord who bestows riches on devotees. His consort is Bhadra (also called Riddhi or Nidhi), the goddess of prosperity. Kubera is associated with the nine treasures (nidhis) and the eight treasures (ashta-nidhi), which include Padma, Mahapadma, and others.
In regional traditions, he is widely worshipped in South India as a bestower of wealth, often invoked during Diwali and other festivals. In Hindu cosmology, Kubera presides over the northern quarter as a dikpala, ensuring the protection of that direction. His role is both as a guardian and as a dispenser of material prosperity, though he is considered subordinate to Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune. The Skanda Purana (Kashi Khanda) describes his worship for gaining wealth and removing poverty. Despite his association with wealth, Kubera is often depicted as a humble devotee of Śiva, residing near Kailāsa. His mantra, "Om Kuberāya namaḥ," is chanted for financial stability.
Roots of the name
The name Kubera (Sanskrit: कुबेर) is of uncertain origin. It is often derived from the root 'kumba' meaning 'to conceal,' alluding to his role as a guardian of hidden treasures.
Alternatively, it is interpreted as 'deformed' or 'ill-shaped' (ku = earth, vira = hero, or ku = bad, vira = body), referencing his physical deformities described in later texts. The variant Kuvera appears in later Sanskrit.
As the son of sage Vishrava, he is called Vaisravana (Pali: Vessavana), meaning 'son of fame.' Another epithet, Ekaksipingala ('one yellow eye'), arises from a myth where he lost an eye due to jealousy toward Shiva and Parvati. Regional variants include Kuberan in Tamil and Daneswara in Indonesian traditions.
The name is also linked to the verb 'kubh' meaning 'to be crooked,' reflecting his association with the yakshas, often considered deformed spirits.
Where the deity first appears
Kubera first appears in the Rigveda (10.142.2) as a lord of treasures and a king of the yakshas, though he is initially described as a chief of evil spirits. In the Atharvaveda (8.10.28), he is invoked for wealth.
He gains prominence in the epics and Puranas. The Ramayana (Uttara Kanda) narrates his rule over Lanka and his overthrow by his half-brother Ravana, after which he settled in Alaka on Mount Kailasa.
The Mahabharata (Vana Parva, chapters 258-260) describes his city and his role as a bestower of riches. The Vishnudharmottara Purana (3.71) details his iconography, while the Skanda Purana (Kashi Khanda) prescribes his worship for wealth.
In the Puranas, he is elevated to a deva and dikpala of the north, a shift from his Vedic status as a yaksha lord. His association with the nine treasures (nidhis) is elaborated in texts like the Padma Purana.
Names by which the divine is addressed
What they hold
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Kubera is typically depicted as a dwarf with a large belly, golden or lotus-leaf complexion, and adorned with rich ornaments. He has three legs, eight teeth, and one yellow eye, as per the Vishnudharmottara Purana (3.71). He holds a mace (gada) and a money-pot (nidhi) or a pomegranate.
His mount is a man (nara-vahana), symbolizing the state or wealth. In South Indian bronzes, he is shown seated on a lotus throne with his consort Bhadra (Riddhi) on his lap, holding a jewel-pot. In North Indian miniatures, he is often depicted with a mongoose vomiting jewels, representing victory over greed.
The Agni Purana prescribes his image as seated on a goat with a club. In Buddhist iconography, he holds a mongoose and a jewel. The Shilpa-shastras describe his four arms holding a mace, a shakti, a lion-standard, and a club.
Philosophical interpretations
In Advaita Vedanta, Kubera represents the material aspect of Brahman, a subordinate deity presiding over wealth, which is ultimately illusory (maya). In Vishishtadvaita, he is a deva serving Vishnu, bestowing prosperity as a grace of the Supreme.
In Dvaita, he is a distinct jiva with a specific role as a dikpala, subordinate to Vishnu. In Shakta traditions, he is a guardian of the northern direction, often invoked in Tantric rituals for material gains.
In Vaishnava theology, Kubera is considered a devotee of Vishnu and a bestower of wealth, but his role is secondary to Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune. The Skanda Purana emphasizes his worship for removing poverty, while the Vishnudharmottara Purana identifies him as the embodiment of Artha (wealth) and Arthashastra.
In Tantric texts, he is associated with the muladhara chakra and the element earth.
Sacred utterances
Vedic remediation guidance
- Communication issues
- Skin diseases
- Speech defects
- Mental confusion
Worship of Dikpala Kubera is prescribed when Mercury, the significator of speech and intellect, is afflicted in the natal chart, for Kubera’s golden complexion and mongoose emblem mirror Mercury’s yellow hue and serpentine enemies, establishing a direct iconographic bond. This remediation is most recommended when Mercury occupies a dusthana (6th, 8th, or 12th house) or is combust, retrograde, or conjoined with malefics like Saturn or Rahu, causing communication defects, skin diseases, or mental confusion. The devotee should recite the Kubera Mula Mantra, “Om Vaisravanaya Vidmahe Yaksha Rajaya Dhimahi Tanno Kubera Prachodayat,” 108 times on Wednesday, the day ruled by Mercury, using a gold-colored japa mala. Complementary observances include fasting until noon, offering yellow flowers, sesame seeds, and a silver coin to a north-facing image, and donating gold or yellow cloth to the needy. This practice, rooted in the Puranas, pacifies Mercury’s afflictions and invokes Kubera’s grace for clarity and prosperity.
The year of Dikpala - Kubera
Tīrthas & major shrines
Where to read further
Dance, music, art & literature
Kubera appears in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana, such as his overthrow by Ravana. In Carnatic music, compositions like 'Kubera Gopalam' by Muthuswami Dikshitar praise him.
In Tanjore paintings, he is depicted with a pot of gold and a mongoose. In Pahari miniatures, he is shown as a regal figure on a man-mount.
Folk traditions in South India invoke him during Diwali for wealth. In Bali, he is worshipped as Daneswara, the god of wealth.
In Cambodia and Thailand, he appears as Vaisravana in temple carvings. In Japan, he is known as Bishamonten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, associated with wealth and protection.