KUBERA - GOD OF WEALTH

Kubera, god of Wealth, was born of a lineage different from that of the other gods of heaven. Brahma the creator begat Pulasthya Prajapati, who begat Visravas. Visravas married Ilabila, the daughter of sage Bharadwaja, and begat Kubera. He married another wife, a demoness, and through her begat Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana. He neglected this family, who survived in distress.

The gods placed Kubera in association with Varuna, who accommodated him in his oceans. But Kubera underwent penances, and Brahma the Creator blessed him with immense riches and the overlordship of the North. He then approached his father and requested him to build a capital and palace for him. Accordingly, Visravas had Lanka built on an island in the South, gifted him with a magic aerial ship, and a horde of semi-divine beings known as Yaksha and Gandharva. He was a great devotee of Siva, who, though wantless and ascetic Himself, gifted untold wealth on Kubera.

There is an amusing story of how Ganapati, the elephant-headed son of Siva, humbled Kubera. Seeing how poorly Siva and his family lived, Kubera thought he was doing them a great favour by inviting them for a sumptuous breakfast. Ganapati could not be satiated; he ate up all the food preparations in a jiffy, and wanted more. Kubera was baffled, and fled to Siva, who called his son back, and fed him with a pinch of the ashes that were Siva’s only cosmetic substances. Ganapati’s hunger was satiated.

Ravana, his half-brother, resented his father, Visravas’ neglect of his mother and his siblings. He and his brothers did great penance, and pleased Brahma the Creator, who granted them powerful blessings. Ravana then proceeded to drive his half-brother Kubera out of Lanka. Kubera fled north, and with the help of all the gods and sages, had another glorious capital, called Alaka, built for himself. There, he delighted in his treasure, and a court of beauties who rivalled even the court of Indra. Some of Indra’s courtesans used to be guests of honour in his court too. Siva was a frequent visitor, as were lesser gods. Kuberal was emboldened to send a messenger to Ravana, warning him to desist from harming the gods. Ravana was enraged; he set out to battle. On the way, he raped Rambha, who was going on an assignation to Kubera’s court. In the fierce battle that ensued, Kubera was decisively defeated. He fled, taking the disguise of a chameleon. Ravana looted Alaka and took away the aerial chariot, the jewels and the treasure, and several beautiful women. Kubera had to wait till the ultimate defeat and killing of Ravana by Rama, to get them back.

There are few temples dedicated to Kubera. He is iconically represented as armed with a mace, and riding on a buffalo.