Exploring different cultures through the Gods of wealth and prosperity

The pursuit of wealth, success and prosperity has been driving individuals for a very long time. The need to be better off than others, from money to appearance has been defining human nature for a long time now. And, where do humans go when they need something? To God. And thus we have gods for wealth, for health, for education, for wisdom and everything that we need. The need for money and success is intrinsic to all humans, no matter what civilization, culture or religion.
Here we list 7 Gods of wealth mentioned in different cultures.

For Hindus, success and wealth is in the hands of two major deities. One is Lakshmi Ji and the other is Lord Kuber.
Lakshmi ji is regarded and prayed to as the goddess of wealth, fortune and beauty. She can be seen in images wearing a splendid saree and a mukut (similar to a crown) with lotus in her hands and money flowing from other hands. Lakshmi ji signifies prosperity that encompasses both worldly riches and inner wealth. Teachings about Lakshmi ji emphasize the importance of virtues such as generosity and compassion.

In the Norse mythology, Gefion emerges as the goddess of prosperity. She is believed to be the deity responsible for overseeing fertility, plenitude and the bounty of the earth. A common picture or image of her is of a woman leading oxens towards the field and ploughing the field to ensure good harvest. Gefion represents the agricultural wealth of the land which is the main source of sustenance and income in many cultures and communities. Even in India, agriculture is the biggest sector and a good harvest is always seen as a positive indication.

In Chinese culture, Caishen is worshipped as the God of Wealth. He can be seen adorned in imperial robes and holding symbols of prosperity like the Ruyi scepter. Caishen is the symbol of affluence, good fortune and success and during the Chinese New Year, he is worshipped with utmost devotion. Devotees pay homage to Caishen in hopes of attracting financial blessings and prosperity into their lives.

With respect to financial prosperity, The Thai community has the Nang Kwak, the charming Goddess of Good Fortune. Often depicted as a woman wearing a red saree with jewels and crown, she can be seen sitting on her knees and holding out her hand in blessing. Nang Kwak signifies prosperity in business and commerce. Her presence is believed to attract wealth and fortune and she is often worshipped by merchants and traders seeking success and prosperity in their business.

Lord Kuber is another significant deity in Hindu culture and is regarded as the treasurer of wealth and the lord of riches. Often portrayed as a short, dwarf-like figure carrying a money bag or holding a mongoose and blessing the world, Lord Kuber is responsible for ensuring abundance and the responsible use of wealth. Hindus usually worship Lord Kuber and Maa Lakshmi during Diwali and some worship them all year round. Worshipping Kuber is believed to bless the devotee with financial stability and prosperity.

To the Greeks, Plutus is the God and giver of wealth and abundance. Plutus was first revered as a personification of agricultural bounty and the wealth that people got from a successful produce. With time, new stories and legends came into play and he started to be depicted blindfolded to symbolize the indiscriminate nature of wealth. According to some legends, Plutus was made blind by Zeus so that he gives out wealth and fortune without any discrimination.

(Image: Wikipedia)

In Roman mythology, Fortuna, as evident by the name, held a significant place as the goddess of luck, chance and prosperity. She was responsible for giving out good fortune and wealth to the people and ensuring prosperity in lives. Depicted with a cornucopia, a symbol of abundance, and a wheel symbolizing the ups and downs of fate, Fortuna emphasized the ever-changing nature of wealth and the unpredictability of destiny.

(Image: Wikipedia)