I believe there is no God or Devta for wealth. However, the ancient sages have personified two different means of acquiring and accumulating wealth and its effects through these gods. The looks of these two gods and the stories about them depict the kind of results you can expect when you acquire wealth through those means.
Kubera
Kubera is a yaksha and the god (Demi-god)of accumulated wealth. He is the guardian of riches and also jewels of the earth. He is often depicted as hoarding treasures.
He is the king of semi-divine yakshas and yakshinis, who are nature spirits, sometimes benevolent and sometimes mischievous, associated with guarding treasures and natural resources.
Kubera is often depicted as a dwarf, with complexion of lotus leaves and a big belly. He is described as having three legs, only eight teeth, one eye, and being adorned with jewels. He may ride a man or an elephant.
At one point, he lost all his accumulated wealth and his golden city of Lanka to his brother Ravana. Later he worshiped Shiva to get back Lanka but he was instead granted the kingdom of Alakapuri near mount Kailash by lord Shiva.
In modern world, while Kubera still enjoys prayers as the god of wealth, his role is largely taken over by the god of wisdom, fortune and obstacle-removal, Ganesha.
Also Read: Why Passion for Wealth Leads to Disaster
Lakshmi
Lakshmi, on the other hand, is the goddess of Dharma-driven prosperity (Śrī) and does not reside with those tainted by greed or pride (like the Asuras or even Indra Dev).
When devi Lakshmi emerged from the Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) during Samudra Manthan, she was adorned with divine radiance and held a lotus, symbolizing purity and prosperity. All the Devas and Asuras desired her, but she chose Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort because He alone embodied supreme righteousness (Dharma), selfless sustenance (Palana), and divine balance (Yogamaya).
Thus, prosperity (Lakshmi) flourishes only where there is virtue (Vishnu)—a core teaching echoed in the Sri Suktam (Rigveda Khila 5.87).
There are a total of eight forms of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, each representing a different aspect of wealth and prosperity.
Here’s a breakdown of the eight forms:
- Adi Lakshmi: Represents the source of all wealth and spiritual abundance.
- Dhana Lakshmi: Embodies material wealth and riches.
- Dhanya Lakshmi: Bestows blessings of food, grains, and agricultural prosperity.
- Gaja Lakshmi: Symbolizes royal power, prosperity, and abundance, often depicted with elephants.
- Santana Lakshmi: Grants blessings of progeny, children, and family well-being.
- Dhairya Lakshmi: Represents courage, strength, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
- Vidya Lakshmi: Bestows knowledge, wisdom, and learning in arts and sciences.
- Vijaya Lakshmi: Symbolizes victory, success, and triumph in all endeavors.
Head On Comparison
| Trait | Kubera | Lakshmi |
| Wealth | Too Much. Unlimited. | Limited, But Enough. |
| Motivation | To Earn More by any means, & Accumulate More. | Earning with righteousness. (Dharma). Which can never be too much. |
| Health | Like Kubera – Fat Belly, One Yellow Eye, only 8 Teeth, Three Legs. Basically Poor Health. | Mental Peace unaffected by outer environment like the violent sea. Basically Good Health. |
| Dress Up | Like Kubera – Heavy jewels, Riding Elephant (expensive vehicle). Basically shows off wealth. | Elegantly dressed in a saree with reasonable Jewels. |
| Nature | Hoarder (Holds a Purse which is closed.) Proud of Possessions. | Giver (Holds a pot with gold coins falling.) Humble. |
| Relationships/Family | Ravana, who robbed him of his wealth. Basically such person often have greedy and deceitful friends and relatives. | Narayana. People who have the blessing of Lakshmi, have very limited, but high moral relatives. |