Kubera: The God of Wealth and Guardian of the Northern Direction

Kubera is the son of Sage Visharava and his wife IIavida (daughter of the rishi Bharadvaja) Kubera was not a Rakshasha although he was the half brother of Ravan.Both Ravan and Kubera were sons of Sahe Vishara but from different wives.

Originally described as the chief of evil spirits in Vedic-era texts, Kubera acquired the status of a deva (god) only in the Puranas. The scriptures describe that Kubera once ruled Lanka, but was overthrown by his half-brother Ravan.

Ravan after acquiring a boon of Brahma, drove Kubera away from Lanka and seized his Pushpaka Vimana, which was returned to Kubera after Ravan's death. Kubera then settled on Gandhamandana mountain, near Mount kailash – the abode of the God Shiva—in the Himalayas.

Kuberas city is usually called Alaka-puri but also Prabha ("splendour"), Vasudhara ("bejeweled") and Vasu-sthali ("abode of treasures"). There, Kubera had a grove called Caitraratha, where the leaves were jewels and the fruits were girls of heaven. There is also a charming lake called Nalini in the grove.. Kubera is often described as a friend of Shiva . In the Padma Puran it says that Kubera prayed to Lord for many years, and Lord Shiva granted him the kingship of yakshas.

Kubera also enjoys the titles "king of the whole world", "king of kings". Kubera also acquired the status of the "Lord of riches" and the wealthiest Deva. He also becomes a lokapala ("world protector") and guardian dikapala of the Northern Direction.

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