Worship him with Lakshmi
Kuber is almost never worshipped alone. He is the treasurer, and Lakshmi is the wealth itself, so a Kuber puja is usually done beside, or straight after, Lakshmi and Ganesh puja. If you are doing a full Diwali puja, Kuber gets his place in it; if you are worshipping him on another day, begin by remembering Ganesh and Lakshmi. Read more about him on the Kuber Dev page.
When to do it
- Dhanteras (Kartik Krishna Trayodashi) in the evening, during pradosh kaal after sunset: his main day.
- Diwali night, together with Lakshmi-Ganesh puja.
- Any Thursday or Friday, the start of a new business year, opening a shop, or bringing a new safe or cash box into the house.
What you will need
- A picture or idol of Kuber, or a Kuber yantra; a picture of Lakshmi and Ganesh if they are not already on your altar.
- A yellow or red cloth to spread on a wooden stool (chowki).
- A ghee lamp, incense, roli or kumkum, haldi, akshat (unbroken rice).
- Yellow and white flowers, a few lotus seeds (kamalgatta) if available.
- Coins (old silver coins if the family has them), a little dhaniya seed and haldi gaanth (turmeric root).
- Sweets, fruit, and water in a kalash.
- Your account books, cash box or locker key, if you wish to place them in the puja.
Step by step
- Face north. Kuber is lord of the north, so set the chowki so that the deity faces south and you face north while worshipping, or place it in the north part of the room. Clean the space and sprinkle a little Gangajal.
- Sankalp. Sit, hold water, rice and a flower in your right hand, say your name, the date and the reason for the puja (for example, "for steady, honest prosperity in our home"), and release it on the ground.
- Ganesh and Lakshmi. Offer a flower and akshat to Ganesh and Lakshmi first, with a short prayer.
- Avahan. Invite Kuber to his seat with folded hands. Offer water to wash his feet and hands, then tilak of roli and haldi, akshat, flowers and incense.
- Place the wealth. Put the coins, dhaniya, haldi gaanth, kamalgatta and, if you like, the account books or key before him. Apply a little tilak to them.
- Mantra. Light the lamp and chant the Kuber mantra (Om yakshaya kuberaya vaishravanaya...) 108 times, or 11 times if time is short.
- Chalisa. Recite the Kuber Chalisa.
- Naivedya. Offer sweets and fruit with a little water.
- Aarti. Sing Om Jai Yaksha Kuber Hare, then Lakshmi's aarti Om Jai Lakshmi Mata.
- Kshama prarthana. Ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the puja and bow.
After the puja
Many families keep the worshipped coins, haldi gaanth and dhaniya wrapped in a red or yellow cloth in their safe or cash box until the next Dhanteras, and sow the dhaniya seeds in a pot. The prasad is shared with the family.
Things to keep in mind
- Kuber blesses wealth that is earned honestly and used well. Many households give something in charity on Dhanteras alongside the puja.
- Keep the north side of the house, where he sits, clean and uncluttered.
- There is no widely recognised traditional Kuber stotra in common use; the mantra, chalisa and aarti above make a complete puja.
Frequently asked questions
Which direction should Kuber's picture face?
Kuber rules the north. Most families place him in the north of the room or set up the altar so that they face north while praying.
Can Kuber be worshipped without Lakshmi?
He can, but tradition pairs them: Lakshmi brings wealth and Kuber guards it. Even a short Kuber puja usually begins with remembering Ganesh and Lakshmi.
What is the best time for Kuber puja on Dhanteras?
Evening, in pradosh kaal after sunset, which is also when the Yama deep is lit. Check the local muhurat for the exact window.
Which mantra should I chant for Kuber?
The Kuber mantra "Om yakshaya kuberaya vaishravanaya dhanadhanyadhipataye..." is the most widely used. 108 repetitions is standard.
What should be offered to Kuber?
Yellow and white flowers, akshat, coins, dhaniya seeds, haldi gaanth, lotus seeds, sweets and fruit.
Should the coins from the puja be spent?
Usually not. They are kept in the safe or cash box for the year as a blessing and replaced or re-worshipped the next Dhanteras.
Can Kuber puja be done on days other than Dhanteras?
Yes. Thursdays and Fridays, the start of a business year, or bringing home a new safe are all common occasions.
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