Lord Kuber

Lord Kuber

Ajanta Caves, Gupta Period,5th Century CE

         With the ascendence of Buddhism, Hinduism declined for many centuries. Buddhism assimilated Hindu Gods,  but assigned them subordinate roles. Thus, the mighty Indra, an important Vedic god, was reduced to the posoition of a door guardian. But surprisingly,  Kuber, a minor Hindu diety, the Hindu god of Wealth,  was exhaulted as a major diety of Buddhism.  We find him all over the Ajanta Caves.  Here He stands at the enterence of a major cave. In one hand he holds a bag of gems. He is a young plumpish man ( a sign of his prosperity ). He stands elegantly, in the classical pose of "tribhang " ( or the body bending at three places). The  balanced  pose lends a sense of serenity to the figure. Although He is the God of Wealth,  he is not dressed ostentatiously. Despite His riches, he looks inward. And is calm and tranquil. 

          The profuse images of Kuber reveal the fact that the caves were commissioned by the business community. He is their God. His  image also reminds us that when one goes into a monastery, one has to renounce wealth. And by turning inward, by discipline and meditation,  one has to discover the spiritual wealth which lies within us.