Kubera is the king of Yakshas and the Lord of wealth. He is also the lord of riches and thus known as Dhanpati. Kubera is the guardian of the north direction (Uttara- disha).

Kubera is the son of Sage Vishrava (or Vishravana) and is the half brother of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Bibhishana. He was born in the bank of river Narmada, where his father`s hermitage was situated. The place was also the territory of Gandharvas.

Kubera was an ugly looking dwarf with white skin, three legs and only eight sets of teeth. He performed severe austerities for thousand years. Brahma gave him immortality as a reward and made him the lord of wealth and the guardian of all the treasures of the earth. Kubera had difficulties in moving. So Brahma granted him a beautiful palace, which was built by Vishvakarma in the city of Lanka. When Ravana captured Lanka, Kuvera moved to the city of Alaka in the Himalayas and set his Yaksha kingdom there. Brahma also presented him the vehicle Pushpaka, which was an immensely large chariot that moved according to owner`s will at a great speed. Ravana stole this Pushpaka Ratha and used it for his villainous activities. Kuvera used to move in that magical aerial chariot and threw money and jewelries to the poor on earth.

Kubera`s house was in Alakapuri. After Kubera lost his abode in Lanka,he requested Vishwakarma to create a residence for him. The builder god built a palace for him on Himalayas. The luxurious palace was an appropriate abode for Kubera as it was situated on the north, the direction of which he was the guardian. Kubera`s house was the most splendid city in the Mount Mandara, a mythical mountain in the Himalayas. Within the city of Alakapuri, the most beautiful garden in the world is situated called `Chaitraratha`. Also his house was believed to be the abode of Adilakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who was pleased by Kuvera`s devotion and made him the keeper of the riches.

The legend says that Kubera also credited money to Venketashwara or Vishnu for his marriage to Padmavati. There is also another story stating how Kubera attained his elevation to godhood. Once Kubera tried to rob the temple of Shiva. During the robbery his taper was extinguished. Kubera tried hard but was enable to rekindle the lamp. However he was persistent in his effort and on the tenth effort Kubera was successful. Shiva was propitiated by Kubera`s attempt and he admired Kubera. Shiva granted the dwarf`s access to Hindu pantheon of Gods.

Kubera is assisted in his work by his followers Yakshas, Kinnaras and their female counterpart Kinnoris.