The Nine Treasures of Kubera (Kubera Nidhi Kunda)
Who is Kubera?
Kubera is the Hindu God of Wealth, revered as the bestower of fortune and prosperity. As the king of Yakshas, he guards the Earth’s hidden treasures— gold, jewels, and natural riches —found beneath the soil and tree roots. He is often worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of abundance.
While Kubera governs the distribution of wealth, Lakshmi oversees its creation. He is also one of the Dikpalas (guardians of directions), ruling the North (Uttara disha). Though rarely depicted in temples, Kubera holds significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Kubera’s Role in Hindu Mythology
1. Lord Venkateswara & Kubera’s Loan
At the Tirupati Temple, devotees donate money to Lord Venkateshwara’s Hundi (donation pot). Legend says Kubera lent money to Lord Vishnu (as Venkateshwara) for his marriage to Goddess Padmavati. Devotees’ offerings symbolically repay this divine debt.
2. Kubera and Ravana: The Stolen Treasures
Kubera’s half-brother, Ravana, stole his flying chariot, Pushpaka Vimana, using it to abduct Sita. After Rama defeated Ravana, the chariot was returned to Kubera.
Originally, Lanka (Ravana’s kingdom) belonged to Kubera. Built by divine architect Vishwakarma, it was abandoned after a curse. Kubera ruled it until Ravana’s penance to Shiva forced him out. Kubera then retreated to Alakapuri, a golden city in the Himalayas.
The Nine Treasures of Kubera (Navanidhi)
Kubera is often shown holding a money bag, but his true wealth lies in nine mystical treasures (Nidhis). According to Amarakosha, each treasure has a guardian spirit.
List of Kubera’s Nine Treasures:
- Padma (Lotus) – A Himalayan lake filled with gemstones.
- Mahapadma (Great Lotus) – A larger lake with double the riches.
- Shankha (Conch) – Sacred shell with calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- Makara (Crocodile/Antimony) – Source of kohl (surma).
- Kachchhapa (Tortoise Shell) – Auspicious, now a banned material.
- Mukunda (Cinnabar) – Source of vermilion (sindoor).
- Kunda (Jasmine/Arsenic) – Linked to medicinal soil properties.
- Nila (Sapphire) – Rare blue gemstone (corundum).
- Kharva (Fire-Baked Vessels) – Ancient ceramic treasures.
Why Are These Treasures Significant?
- Represent natural & mineral wealth.
- Linked to ancient trade, rituals, and Ayurveda.
- Symbolize prosperity, power, and divine blessings.
Final Thought
Kubera’s treasures are more than just wealth—they embody nature’s hidden riches and spiritual abundance. Worshipping Kubera is believed to invite fortune and financial stability.
Kubera’s Nine Treasures (Navanidhi) – The Divine Wealth of the Gods
Kubera, the Lord of Wealth, guards nine mystical treasures known as Navanidhi. Each treasure holds deep symbolic meaning and represents both material and spiritual abundance.
The Nine Divine Treasures
- Padma (The Lotus Treasure)
- Symbolizes a sacred Himalayan lake brimming with precious gemstones.
- Represents purity and prosperity in Hindu traditions.
- Mahapadma (The Great Lotus)
- A twice-as-large version of Padma, holding double the riches.
- Signifies boundless wealth and divine grace.
- Shankha (The Sacred Conch)
- A revered object in Hindu rituals, mentioned in the Mahabharata and Puranas.
- Made of calcium, iron, and magnesium—valued for spiritual and medicinal properties.
- Makara (The Crocodile / Antimony)
- Literally means “crocodile,” but also refers to black antimony (Padmini).
- Used to make kohl (surma), an ancient cosmetic and medicinal paste.
- Kachchhapa (The Tortoise Shell)
- Considered highly auspicious in Vedic traditions.
- Once used in jewelry and artifacts, now protected under global wildlife laws.
- Mukunda (Cinnabar – The Vermilion Source)
- A bright scarlet mineral (mercury sulfide) used to make sindoor (vermilion).
- Central to Hindu rituals and temple traditions.
- Nanda (Delight) / Kumud (Cinnabar Alternate)
- Some texts associate this with joy and divine blessings.
- Others link it to cinnabar’s radiant beauty.
- Nila (The Blue Sapphire)
- A rare corundum gemstone (aluminium oxide).
- One of the most valuable jewels in the world.
- Kharva (Fire-Baked Vessels)
- Represents ancient pottery and ceremonial cups.
- Symbolizes durable wealth and craftsmanship.
Why Are These Treasures Important?
- Spiritual Significance: Linked to Ayurveda, temple rituals, and Vedic sciences.
- Material Wealth: Represent gold, gems, and natural resources guarded by Kubera.
- Mythological Power: Believed to be protected by guardian spirits (Yakshas).
Did You Know?
- Some treasures (like Kachchhapa) are now eco-protected due to overuse.
- Shankha and Nila remain highly valued in modern jewelry and spirituality.