Who is Dikpala - Kubera
Kubera (Sanskrit: कुबेर), also known as Vaiśravaṇa, Dhanapati, and Yakṣarāja, is the Hindu god of wealth and the guardian (dikpala) of the northern direction. His origins are found in the Rigveda (Rigveda 1.42.3) where he is mentioned as a lord of treasures, though his full mythology develops in the Puranas and epics. According to the Ramayana (Uttara Kanda), Kubera was the son of sage Viśravas and his wife Ilavilā, making him a half-brother of the demon king Rāvaṇa. He originally ruled the city of Laṅkā, but after Rāvaṇa seized it, Kubera established his capital at Alakāpuri in the Himalayas, a city of splendor described in the Mahabharata (Sabhā Parva).
As the king of the Yakṣas and Kinnaras, he presides over hidden treasures and bestows material prosperity. Iconographically, Kubera is depicted with a white or golden complexion, a potbelly, and one or four arms. He holds a mace (gadā), a money pot (nidhi), and a mongoose (nakula) that vomits jewels, symbolizing his dominion over wealth. His vahana is a man, though sometimes he is shown riding a chariot.
His consort is Bhadra (also called Riddhi or Kauberī). Kubera is associated with the nine treasures (nidhis) and is often invoked in rituals for prosperity. In regional traditions, he is widely worshipped during Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, and in Kubera Puja for financial success. In Buddhist traditions, he is known as Jambhala and is revered as a deity of wealth.
In Hindu cosmology, Kubera is one of the eight Lokapālas, each guarding a cardinal direction, and his role is to protect the north and distribute wealth as a divine trustee. The Skanda Purana and the Viṣṇudharmottara Purana elaborate on his iconography and worship, emphasizing his benevolent aspect when propitiated with devotion.
Roots of the name
The name Kubera (Sanskrit: कुबेर) is of uncertain origin. It is often derived from the root √kumbh, meaning 'to conceal,' alluding to his role as a guardian of hidden treasures.
Alternatively, it may be a compound of ku (earth) and vira (hero), or from ku meaning 'deformed,' referring to his physical peculiarities. The variant Kuvera (कुवेर) appears in later Sanskrit.
As the son of sage Viśravas, he is called Vaiśravaṇa (Pali: Vessavaṇa), meaning 'son of fame.' The epithet Ekākṣipiṅgala ('one yellow eye') arises from a myth where he lost an eye due to jealousy toward Śiva and Pārvatī. Other names include Dhanapati ('lord of wealth'), Yakṣarāja ('king of the yakṣas'), and Nara-vāhana ('one whose vehicle is a man').
In Buddhist traditions, he is known as Jambhala. The Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa (3.71) provides iconographic details under the name Vaiśravaṇa.
Where the deity first appears
Kubera first appears in the Ṛgveda (1.42.3) as a lord of treasures and a benevolent deity who protects travelers. In the Atharvaveda (8.10.28), he is associated with the yakṣas. However, in early Vedic texts, he is considered a chief of evil spirits (yātudhāna).
His elevation to a deva occurs in the epics and Purāṇas. The Rāmāyaṇa (Uttara Kāṇḍa) narrates his birth as the son of Viśravas and Ilavilā, his rule over Laṅkā, and his overthrow by Rāvaṇa. The Mahābhārata (Sabhā Parva) describes his splendid capital Alakāpurī in the Himalayas.
The Purāṇas, especially the Skanda Purāṇa and Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa, elaborate his iconography and worship. In the Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa (3.71), he is described as the embodiment of Artha (wealth) and the science of polity (Arthaśāstra). Kubera is also one of the eight Lokapālas (guardians of directions) in later Hindu cosmology, a role not found in the Vedas.
Episodes from scripture
Loss of Lanka and Establishment of Alaka
Names by which the divine is addressed
What they hold
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Kubera is typically depicted with a plump, dwarf-like body, a large belly, and a complexion like lotus leaves. He may have three legs, eight teeth, and one yellow eye (Ekākṣipiṅgala). He is adorned with golden ornaments and a crown.
In his four arms, he holds a mace (gadā), a money-pot (nidhi), a pomegranate or a sheaf of jewels, and sometimes a mongoose that vomits jewels. His vahana is a man (nara), symbolizing the state or human effort. In South Indian bronzes, he is often shown seated with one leg dangling, while in North Indian miniatures, he rides a chariot or a man.
The Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa (3.71) prescribes that his face be inclined to the left, with a beard and mustache, and two small tusks. His consort Bhadra (or Riddhi) sits on his left lap. In Buddhist iconography, he is often shown with a mongoose and a jewel.
The Agni Purāṇa states he should be installed on a goat.
Philosophical interpretations
In Advaita Vedānta, Kubera represents the aspect of Brahman as the source of all wealth, but material prosperity is considered a lower reality (vyāvahārika). In Viśiṣṭadvaita, he is a subordinate deity under Viṣṇu, distributing wealth as a divine trustee.
In Dvaita, Kubera is a distinct jīva (soul) who attained his position through merit and devotion to Viṣṇu. In Śākta traditions, he is associated with Lakṣmī and is propitiated for material gains.
In Tantric texts, Kubera is a yakṣa lord and a guardian of the northern direction, often invoked in rituals for wealth and protection. The Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa describes him as the embodiment of Artha (wealth) and the science of polity (Arthaśāstra).
In the Purāṇas, he is a deva (god) but retains his yakṣa nature, ruling over semi-divine beings. His role as a Lokapāla (world guardian) emphasizes his protective aspect, ensuring the stability of the cosmos by guarding the north.
Sacred utterances
Vedic remediation guidance
- Communication issues
- Skin diseases
- Speech defects
- Mental confusion
Worship of Dikpala Kubera is prescribed when Mercury, the graha governing speech and intellect, is afflicted in the natal chart, for Kubera’s iconographic attribute—the jewel-vomiting mongoose—mirrors Mercury’s power to transform base matter into articulate wealth. Remediation is most recommended when Mercury occupies a dusthana (6th, 8th, or 12th house), is combust, or conjoined with malefics, especially during Mercury’s mahadasha or antardasha, or when the native suffers from speech defects, skin diseases, or mental confusion. The devotee should perform Kubera japa on Wednesday, using a gold-colored seat, reciting the Kubera mantra “Om Vaisravanaya Vidmahe Yaksha Rajaya Dhimahi Tanno Kubera Prachodayat” 108 times with a rudraksha or crystal mala. Complementary observances include offering white flowers, incense, and a lamp ghee, fasting until noon, and donating gold, grains, or money to the needy. This practice aligns with Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, or Revati nakshatra days for amplified effect.
The year of Dikpala - Kubera
Tīrthas & major shrines
Where to read further
Dance, music, art & literature
Kubera is widely worshipped during Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, when devotees purchase gold and utensils to invoke his blessings. Kubera Puja is performed for financial success. In Bharatanatyam and Kathak, his iconography inspires poses depicting wealth and authority.
In Carnatic music, compositions like 'Kubera Gaja Vahana' praise him. In Tanjore paintings, he is depicted with a potbelly and jewels. In Pahari miniatures, he rides a man.
In Buddhist traditions, he is known as Jambhala and is popular in Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia. In Southeast Asia, he appears in Balinese and Thai art as a guardian figure. In Jainism, he is Sarvanubhuti, a yakṣa attendant of Tīrthaṅkara Neminātha.
His image is also found in Cambodian and Indonesian temple reliefs.