Nidhi
In the context of Hindu scriptures, "Nidhi" is a treasure, constituted of nine treasures (nawanidhi) belonging to Kubera (also spelt as Kuvera), the god of wealth. According to the tradition, each nidhi is personified as having a guardian spirit, and some tantrikas worship them. The nature and characteristics of nidhis have remained largely unexplained and have not been fully understood.
The Nidhis[]
According to Amarakosha, the Nine nidhis are:
- Mahapadma "great lotus flower"
- Padma "lotus flower"
- Shankha "conch"
- Makara "crocodile"
- Kachchhapa "tortoise"
- Kumud "a particular precious stone"
- Kunda "jasmine"
- Nila "sapphire"
- Kharva "dwarf"
When considered as mines, minerals, earthenware, and ocean resources, the nine treasures of Kubera are interpreted as:
- mahapadma (lake double the size of Padma in Himalaya with minerals and jewels)
- padma (lake in Himalaya with minerals and jewels)
- shankha (conch shell)
- makara (synonym of Padmini, black antimony)
- kachchhapa (tortoise or turtle shell)
- kumud (cinnabar, or quicksilver)
- kunda (arsenic)
- nila (antimony)
- kharva (cups or vessels baked in fire)
Nidhis are also called Nidhana, Nikhara, and Sevadhi. Some of the nidhis' names are used in the Indian numbering system.
References[]
- A Dictionary of Hindu Mythology & Religion by John Dowson
- A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature, by John Dawson, page 221
- Amarakosha, ed. W. L. Shastri Pansikar, v. 142
- Megha-duta, collected works, iv. 372. verse 534
- A Hindu Granth (Holy Book) named as 'SHIV-PURAAN'.
- Also mentioned in 'VISHNUSAHASTRANAAM'.
Categories:
- Objects in Hindu mythology
- Hindu mythology stubs