A Kuber Murti (idol) represents Lord Kuber, the “Treasurer of the Gods” and the king of the semi-divine Yakshas. In Hindu mythology and Vastu Shastra, he is the supreme guardian of all the world’s treasures and the deity who governs the North direction.

Visual Aesthetics & Iconography

Kuber is traditionally depicted with a unique and “peculiar” appearance that symbolizes overflowing wealth and abundance:

The Figure: He is usually portrayed as a dwarf with a plump body and a large pot belly, which represents the containment of vast riches.
The Face: He often has a jovial, smiling expression. Ancient texts describe him as having “lotus-leaf” skin, eight teeth, and a single eye (the other having been singed when he looked at Parvati’s divine radiance).
The Attributes:
- Money Pot/Bag: He is almost always shown holding a Kalash (pot) or a bag overflowing with gold coins and jewels.
- Mace (Gada): He carries a mace as a symbol of his authority and his role in the administration of justice.
- Mongoose (Tibetan/Buddhist): In Buddhist traditions (as Dzambhala), he is often seen with a mongoose that “spits” out jewels, symbolizing his victory over greed and his immense generosity.
The Mount (Vahana): Uniquely, Kuber is often depicted riding a human being (Nara-vahana), signifying that wealth, if not managed ethically, can dominate human nature. He is also sometimes shown with an elephant.

Spiritual & Vastu Significance

While Goddess Lakshmi represents the “creation” of fortune, Lord Kuber represents its accumulation and protection.

Financial Wisdom: Keeping a Kuber murti is believed to grant the owner better money management skills and the wisdom to make sound investments.
Removing Poverty: He is invoked specifically to remove financial blockages and “poverty consciousness” from a household.
Stability: Because Kuber is a close friend of Lord Shiva, his presence is thought to bring a mix of material success and spiritual groundedness.

Ideal Placement (Vastu Rules)

To activate the energy of wealth, the placement of the Kuber murti is critical:

The North Zone: Since Kuber rules the North, this is the most auspicious spot. Place the idol in the North part of your house or office, facing the South (so that when you pray, you face North toward his abode in the Himalayas).
North-East (Ishanya): He can also be placed in the North-East (the water/prayer corner). In this case, he should face West.
Cash Locker/Safe: Many business owners place a small Kuber idol inside or on top of their cash safe to ensure that the wealth stored there grows and is protected from loss.
Height: Always place the murti on a wooden pedestal or a high shelf (Chowki); never keep it directly on the floor.
Lower than Shiva: If you have a shrine for Lord Shiva, the Kuber murti should always be placed at a lower level, as Kuber is an ardent devotee of Shiva.

Important Rituals

Dhanteras/Diwali: This is the most popular time to worship Kuber. He is traditionally worshipped alongside Lakshmi and Ganesha.
The Coin Offering: A common practice is to keep a small bowl of real coins in front of the murti to “attract like with like.”
Cleanliness: Kuber is said to reside only where there is extreme cleanliness. The North corner of your home should be kept clutter-free and well-lit.