Visiting this statue on Dhanteras is fruitful. (Photo- Naiduniya)
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On Dhanteras, Kuber, the god of wealth, is worshipped-Aarti. This unique statue of the second century was found in the Bes river. It was once worshiped by the rich businessmen of Vidisha.
Ajay Jain, Vidisha (Dhanteras 2024). Vidisha, one of the oldest cities of the country, has a 12 feet high sandstone statue of Kuber, the god of wealth, in a standing posture. This statue, installed at the main entrance of the local archaeological museum, is one of the oldest statues ever found.
According to archaeologists, this second century statue is probably the tallest statue in the country. The darshan of Lord Kuber on Dhanteras is considered especially fruitful. This statue of Kuber, about 12 feet high and two and a half feet wide, is made of a single stone.
In this statue, Kuber is seen wearing a turban on his head. He has Uttari on his shoulder, earrings in his ears and a necklace around his neck. The statue also has a bag in one hand, which is considered to be a bundle of money.
Since the statue is kept in the Archaeological Museum, worship is not allowed here, hence devotees, after worshiping at home on Dhan Teras, reach the museum to see the statue of Kuber. Worship of Kuber is considered especially fruitful.
People used to wash clothes on the back of the statue
Archaeologist Dr. Narayan Vyas tells an interesting story about the discovery of this statue. According to him, for hundreds of years this statue was lying on its stomach in the Bes river passing through the city. People nearby considered it to be an ordinary flat rock and used to wash clothes on it.
Around 1954, when the river water receded, some parts of the statue became clearly visible. The team of Archeology Department brought the statue to the Circuit House. Later, when the Archaeological Museum was built, the statue was installed at its main entrance.
Vidisha traders were once worshipers of Kuber
Archaeologist Dr. Narayan Vyas says that in ancient times Vidisha was a big center of trade. There was a big trade in elephant teeth and iron here. The people of that time might have built this statue to worship Kuber, the god of wealth.
He said that this statue is from the second century. A similar statue of Yakshini was also found in Vidisha, which is kept in the museum of Kolkata.
Kuber is also mentioned in Ramayana, in which Kuber is described as Ravana’s brother. Pushpak Vimana belonged to Kubera, which was snatched by Ravana.