Divine Role

Kubera is often depicted with a plump body, adorned with jewels, and carrying a money-pot and a club. His many epithets present him as overlord of numerous semi-divine species and owner of the treasures of the world.

He is principally revered as the god who bestows fortunes and prosperity, while also acting as king of the Yakshas who safeguard hidden treasures in the earth and roots of trees.

Scriptural Presence

Originally described as the chief of evil spirits in Vedic-era texts, Kubera later acquired the status of a Deva in the Puranas and epics. Scriptures describe how he once ruled Lanka before being overthrown by Ravana.

He later settled in Alaka in the Himalayas, a city remembered in many texts for its glory and splendour.

Across Traditions

Kubera has also been assimilated into Buddhist and Jain traditions. In Buddhism he is known as Vaisravana, while in Jainism he is known as Sarvanubhuti.

He is remembered with Goddess Lakshmi, where Lakshmi is associated with creating wealth and Kubera with distributing and protecting material prosperity.

Kubera Family

Lord Kubera comes from the family tree of Lord Brahma. He is the son of Vishrava and Idavida. Vishrava also married the demon princess Kaikesi, who mothered Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Vibhishana, and Surpanakha, making Kubera Ravana's half-brother.

Kubera is married to Kauberi and they have four children. The three sons are Nalakubara, Manigriva, and Mayuraja, and their daughter is Meenakshi. Devi Kauberi is also known as Yakshi, Bhadra, and Charvi.

Kubera And Lord Venkateswara

Crores of devotees throng the world-famous Tirupati temple in South India. Kubera figures as a prominent entity in the temple as the ritual of donation is connected to Him.

It is believed that Kubera lent money to Lord Venkateshwara for his marriage with Padmavati, and devotees donate in the Hundi as an act of repaying that loan.

Festivals

Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi: the most important festival dedicated to Lord Kubera. Devotees perform Kubera Lakshmi Puja and buy gold on this day.

Sharad Purnima: marks the birthday of Lord Kubera. Trayodashi and Purnima tithis are considered especially suitable for Kubera Puja.

Iconography

Kubera in Sanskrit is described as ill-shaped or deformed, and the source page presents him with a dwarf-like body, lotus-leaf complexion, large belly, yellow left eye, three legs, eight teeth, and heavy ornaments.

He may carry a mace, pomegranate, money bag, sheaf of jewels, or a mongoose. Some texts associate him with Pushpak, a goat, an elephant, or a man as mount, and many depictions place Riddhi beside him holding a jewel-pot.

The page also connects Kubera's form to Artha and Arthashastra, presenting his iconography as symbolic of wealth, prosperity, justice, and guardianship over treasures.