Nidhi
In the context of Hindu mythology, Nidhi, that 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. According to Amarakosha, the nine nidhis are:
- mahapadma "great lotus flower"
- padma "lotus flower"
- shankha "conch"
- makara "crocodile"
- kachchhapa "tortoise"
- mukunda "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:
- padma (lake in Himalaya with minerals and jewels)
- mahapadma (lake double the size of padma in Himalaya with minerals and jewels)
- makara (Synonym of Padmini, black antimony)
- nila (Antimony)
- mukunda (cinnabar, or quicksilver)
- kunda (arsenic)
- kharva (cups or vessels baked in fire)
- kachchhapa (tortoise or turtle shell)
- sankha (conch shell)
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, Georgraphy, History, and Literature, by John Dawson, page 221
- Amarakosha, ed. W. L. Shastri Pansikar, v. 142
- Megha-duta, collected works, iv. 372. verse 534
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