Kuber (also called Kubera or Kuvera), the lord of riches and treasures, is a demi-god in Hinduism. Kuber does not occupy a very conspicuous position in Hindu mythology except for his frequent mentions in the epic Ramayana as the God of gold and wealth.

Kuber's Countenance and Iconography: The meaning of the name ‘Kuber’ in Sanskrit is ‘ill-shaped’ or ‘deformed’ although some say that his name is derived from ‘kumba,’ which means ‘to conceal.’ The former has bearings in the description of Kuber in later Puranic texts, where he is seen as fat and dwarf wearing a lot of jewelry and carrying a bag of gold coins, a club, and sometimes a pomegranate. His deformities include three legs, eight teeth, and one eye.

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Kubers’ Parentage and Background: According to myths, Kuber was Lord Brahma’s 'mental' grandson, who deserted his father Vaisravana and went to his grandfather. Brahma, as a reward made him immortal, and appointed him to be the god of riches, with Lanka for his capital, and the car Pushpak for his vehicle. This car was of immense size, and moved at its owner's will at a marvelous speed; Ravana took it by force from Kuber, at whose death it was restored by Rama to its original possessor.

Kuber: A Guardian of the World: In the Ramayana, Kuber is mentioned as one of the four guardians of the world. As Rama says: "May he whose hands the thunder wield [Indra], / Be in the East thy guard and shield: / May Yama's care the South befriend, / And Varuna's arm the West defend; / And let Kuber, Lord of Gold, / The North with firm protection hold." When eight guardians are spoken of, the additional four are these: Agni has charge of the South-East, Surya of the South-West, Soma of the North-East, and Vayu of the North-West. When Ravana had risen to the summit of his power, he made the gods perform various offices in his house: thus Indra prepared garlands, Agni was his cook, Surya gave light by day and Chandra by night, and Kuber became his cash-keeper.

Kuber: The Glutton God: Kuber is also called the King of the Yakshasas—savage beings who, because the moment they were born said, "Let us eat," were called Yakshasas. These beings were ever on the watch for prey and ate those they slew in battle. Throughout the Ramayana, there are brief references to Kuber as the giver of riches, and also to the beauty of his palace and gardens. Thus Saint Bharadwaj, desirous of giving Rama and Lakshman a fitting reception, said: "Here let Kuvera's garden rise, / Which far in Northern Kuru lies; / For leaves let cloth and gems entwine, / And let its fruit be nymphs divine."

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