Kubera, the Lord of Wealth: Why He's Known as the Master of Thieves

Introduction

Kubera, the Hindu god of wealth and prosperity, is also revered as the Lord of Thieves. This intriguing title has its roots in several mythological tales and beliefs that shed light on Kubera's complex nature and his relationship with wealth and its acquisition.

Mythological Origins of Kubera's Association with Thieves

The Curse of Mount Kailash

According to legend, Kubera was once the king of the Yakshas, a race of nature spirits. When he refused to relinquish Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, to the gods, he was cursed by Shiva to become a guardian of wealth instead of its king.

In this role, Kubera was responsible for safeguarding the treasures of the earth. However, his wealth attracted the attention of thieves, who sought to steal his riches.

Kubera's Contradictory Nature

Kubera's dual nature as both the Lord of Wealth and the Master of Thieves reflects his ambivalent relationship with wealth. While he protects it, he also understands that it can be a source of temptation and corruption.

Kubera's Role in Hindu Mythology

Kubera plays a significant role in Hindu mythology as the guardian of wealth and the patron of trade and commerce.

He is often depicted as a pot-bellied man with a large mustache, adorned with jewels and riding a white elephant named Airavata. His palace, Alaka, is said to be a magnificent city located in the northern Himalayas.

The Significance of Kubera's Title

Kubera's title as the Master of Thieves suggests that he understands the allure of wealth and the lengths to which individuals may go to acquire it.

By being associated with thieves, Kubera serves as a reminder that wealth can be fleeting and that it should not be the sole pursuit in life.

He also represents the hope that even those who have lost their wealth can find it again through honest means and hard work.

Conclusion

Kubera, the Lord of Wealth, is known as the Master of Thieves due to his unique mythological origins and his ambivalent relationship with wealth.

As the guardian of riches, he understands the seductive nature of wealth and the dangers of its pursuit, while also offering hope to those who have lost it.