On Dhanteras, along with Goddess Lakshmi, devotees also worship Lord Kuber, the divine treasurer and the king of Yakshas. He is revered as the guardian of wealth and prosperity. But did you know that in his previous birth, Lord Kuber led a completely different life — as a gambler and a thief?
According to the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana, there is a captivating story that reveals how a man named Gunanidhi, through an act of unintended devotion, earned the divine position of the Lord of Wealth.
Kuber’s Previous Birth – A Gambler and Thief
In his previous life, Lord Kuber was born as Gunanidhi, a Brahmin by birth. During his childhood, he studied the scriptures, but later fell into bad company. He became addicted to gambling and eventually turned to theft and immoral acts.
One night, while wandering in despair, Gunanidhi reached a Shiva temple. It happened to be Maha Shivratri, and offerings (bhog) had been placed before Lord Shiva. Driven by hunger, Gunanidhi decided to steal the offerings.
However, the temple was dark, and the lamp inside kept flickering due to the wind. To see clearly, Gunanidhi tore a piece of cloth from his clothing and wrapped it around the lamp to protect the flame.
How Lord Shiva Transformed a Thief into the God of Wealth
Although Gunanidhi’s intentions were sinful, his actions unknowingly earned him three great virtues:
He observed a fast on Shivratri, as he had remained hungry all day.
He protected the temple diya, unknowingly performing deep daan (offering of light).
He offered his clothing before Lord Shiva, symbolizing humility and surrender.
When the messengers of Yama (the god of death) came to take him, Lord Shiva’s attendants stopped them. Pleased by his innocent yet sincere acts of devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Gunanidhi and said, “Your selfless act of protecting the sacred flame has pleased me. In your next birth, you shall be born as Kuber, the Treasurer of the Gods, and the Lord of Wealth.”
