Kubera — The Regent of the North

Kubera — The Regent of the North  

The Regent of the northern direction is Kubera the god of wealth, the chief of the genii, called the mysterious- ones (yakṣā) or the secret-ones (guhyaka), who guard the precious stones and metals stored inside the earth.

Kubera's half-brothers were Roarer (Rāvaṇa), the powerful king of Śrī Laṅkā, Jar's-Ear (Kumbhakarṇa), and Terrific (Vibhīṣaṇa), who became Rāma's ally. Their sister is Sharp-Nails (Sūrpaṇakhā). Rāvaṇa drove Kubera away from his capital in Lanka and took over.

Kubera's wife is Auspicious (Bhadrā) and his sons are Reed- Axle (Nalakubera), who is also called "son of Mayu rāja” (the king of animals resembling men)," and Bejeweled-neck (Maṇi- grīva), who is also called Colourful-Poet (Varṇa-kavi). His daughter is Fish-eyed (Mīnākṣī).

Kubera is shown as a white dwarf with a large belly. He has three legs which represent the three principle desires — putreṣa (desire for offspring) vitteṣa (desire for wealth and power) and lokaiṣa (desire for fame and recognition).

The name of Kubera seems to be of unknown origin, though it has been, suggested that it may be derived from ku-bera, the "ill-shaped one," a word similar to kim-purusa, kupurusa, etc.

An offering is made to him at the end of all ritual sacrifices, though he does not appear to have a separate cult. He is now worshiped mainly in Nepal, but is one of the seven divinities of wealth known all over Asia.

Kubera is the giver of jewels, the protector of travellers. He is associated with Gaṇeśa, the lord of categories. Whatever treasures are in the earth, they all belong to Kubera. Only through his kindness do men obtain precious metals and stones from the entrails of the earth.