Introduction

Dzambala, the deity of wealth, is considered to be a Bodhisattva—a being with a compassionate nature guiding sentient beings toward enlightenment. Additionally, he is worshipped for his ability to bestow wealth and prosperity upon devotees. Apart from the wealth aspect, practitioners have found that worshiping Dzambala guides them to the path of higher spiritual well-being.

Member of Jewel Family

In Buddhism, Jambala is referred to as a member of the jewel family, signifying his association with wealth, prosperity, and the transformative ability of material prosperity.

Essence of the Name

Dzambala  is also known as Dzambhala, Dzambala, Zambala, or Jambala. Breaking down the name, Dzam means "increase or growth," Bala means "power or wealth." As a whole, the name signifies a deity or force associated with the increase or growth of power and wealth.

Families in Buddhism

What are Families?

In Tibetan Buddhism, families refer to groups of enlightened beings or deities that share common characteristics and embody specific qualities and aspects of enlightenment.

Five Main Families

Thus, Buddhism has divided whole deities into five main families, each with different meanings, qualities, or aspects of enlightenment. Dividing them into specific families helps practitioners simplify complex spiritual practices. Each family shows a specific aspect of enlightenment, and together they form the complete and harmonious aspect of enlightenment.

The Five Main Families in Buddhism:

1. Vajra Family (Thunderbolt Family)

2. Ratna Family (Jewel Family)

3. Padma Family (Lotus Family)

4. Karma Family (Activity Family)

5. Buddha Family

Jewel Family

The Jewel family falls under one of the main families in Buddhism and is represented with an abundance of material and spiritual wealth. The head member of this family is considered to be Buddha Ratnasambhava.

Jambala, being the deity of wealth, also falls under the Jewel family. Practitioners mainly confuse this family to be associated only with the richness in material wealth, but in reality, it is associated with both material and spiritual aspects of enlightenment. Thus, worshipping Jambala not only brings material wealth to a sentient being but also boosts spiritual growth in their life.

Comparison: In Hinduism and Buddhism

In Hinduism, the deity of wealth is considered to be Jambala, while Kubera is depicted as the deity of wealth in Buddhism. Jambala in Hinduism, whereas Kubera in Buddhism, are almost similar, with both religions having their own beliefs, iconography, and stories associated with their respective deities.

In Hinduism: Origin

Vedic Literature

In Vedic literature, Kubera was initially portrayed as a yaksha, a nature spirit, and regarded as the son of sage Vishrava.

Evolution in Hinduism

As Hinduism evolved, Kubera was later portrayed as the ruler of Alkapuri. His wealth and prosperity grew, and later on, he started being known as one of the prominent deities in Hinduism—the god of wealth.

Connection with Lakshmi

In the scriptures, Kubera is mentioned as the stepbrother of Lakshmi, the primary deity of wealth and prosperity. This connection solidified the depiction of Kubera as a wealth deity.

Modern Context

Over time, he has been worshipped as the deity of wealth all over the world.

In Buddhism: Origin

Evolution of Buddhism

As Buddhism evolved, it incorporated local deities into its beliefs and traditions. The origin of Jambala is relatively recent to the religion; it is believed that Jambala evolved from the Kubera of Hindu tradition. This is why many Buddhist deities correlate with Hindu deities. For instance, vajrapani in buddhism shows resemblance to Indra in Hinduism.

Transformation and Integration

Kubera underwent transformation in its iconography and symbolism and aligned itself with the Buddhist framework, which later became Jambala—deity of wealth. While Kubera in Hinduism is often depicted as a plump dwarf holding a pot of wealth, Jambhala in Tibetan Buddhism is portrayed with a mongoose spouting jewels.

Modern Context

Jambala is now worshipped as a Bodhisattva associated with wealth and prosperity. He is believed to be among the four heavenly kings, who protect the world. Specifically, he is a guardian of the northern direction.

Jambala Role as a Wealth Deity

In Tibetan Buddhism, Jambala as a deity of wealth plays a significant role:

Bestower of Material Wealth:

Jambala is often worshipped for the purpose of bestowing material wealth, including gold and money, upon devotees. Individuals seeking success in their businesses or facing financial difficulties worship Jambala with the hope of achieving financial prosperity.

Guardian of Wealth:

Jambala is worshipped not only for his ability to bestow material wealth upon devotees but also for the protection of their riches. Worshippers seek his blessings to safeguard their material wealth from losses and burglars.

Remover of Obstacles:

Jambala is worshipped to remove obstacles and hind

rances that block financial growth. Worshipping him is supposed to liberate devotees from obstacles that arise on the path to financial success.

Spiritual Growth:

A wealthy being is considered not only by his material possessions but also by his spiritual well-being. As a deity of wealth in both material and spiritual aspects, Jambala is often mistakenly associated only with material wealth. However, worshipping him guides individuals on the path to both material and spiritual well-being.

Bodhisattva:

In the path of achieving wealth, many forget the Bodhichitta nature of Jambala. Being a compassionate Bodhisattva, worshipping him is considered to guide devotees toward the path of enlightenment.

Five forms of Dzambala

In the tapestry of Buddhism, there are the mentioning of five Jambalas who are recognized on the basis of their color, each embodying distinctive qualities and attributes.

The names of five jambalas:

1. Green jambala

2. Yellow jambala

3. White jambala

4. Red jambala

5. Black jambala

Green Dzambala

Introduction

Among the five jambalas, Green jambala is the head of them. It is believed that, green jambala is the manifestation of Buddha amoghasiddhi.

Iconography

He is depicted with a emerald green complexion, adorned with celestial ornaments and jewels. Green jambala holds a moose in his left hand and kapala in his right hand.

Green jambala is commonly depicted holding a  mongoose in his left hand and kapala in his right hand. The mongoose in his left hand spouts jewels which symbolizes the abundance and fulfillment of wishes.

He is usually shown seated with his consort vasudhara, symbolizing the of union of wisdom and wealth.

He sits in a vajra position upon a lotus. His right leg is extended and placed above a snail while his left leg is drawn inward.

Symbolism

This form of jambala represents the qualities of generosity, compassion and the ability of fulfilling wishes. The green complexion represents the growth, harmony and the flourishing of positive qualities.

Mantra:

‘Om kama Jambhala Ah Svaha’

This mantra is associated with green jambala which is chanted by the devotees to seek blessings for financial success and removal of obstacles.

Yellow Dzambala

Introduction

Among the five jambalas, yellow jambala is the most popular and powerful of the wealth god. It is believed that, yellow jambala is the manifestation of Buddha Ratnasambhava.

He is also believed to be the emantation of vaishravana, so he is also known as vaishravana jambala. Vaishravana is known as one of the four heavenly kings, a celestial being who protects the world. He lives in a northern  crystal palace of mount sumeru, so is also called the guardian of northern region.

Iconography

He is depicted with a radiant yellow complexion, adorned with celestial ornaments and jewels. Yellow jambala is often portrayed riding a snow lion, symbolizing his protective abilities.

Green jambala is commonly depicted holding a  mongoose in his left hand that spouts jewels. The mongoose in his left hand is a symbol of the abundance and fulfillment of wishes. Also, he is sometimes depicted with a fruit or a leaf of lotus in his right hand.

He sits in a vajra position upon a lotus. His right leg is extended and placed above a snail while his left leg is drawn inward.

Symbolism

This form of jambala represents the qualities of generosity, protection and the ability to bestow material wealth. The yellow complexion   represents the richness, prosperity and positive qualities of abundance.

Mantra:

‘Om Jambhala jalensraye Svaha’

This mantra is associated with yellow jambala which is chanted by the devotees to seek blessings for the protection of their wealth.

White Dzambala

Introduction

White jambala is considered the manifestation of Bodhisattva chenrezig, who is believed  to eradicate poverty and sufferings and purify karmic obstacles. In buddhism, White jambala is believed to have originated from the right eye of Bodhisattva chenrezig.

Iconography

He is depicted with a radiant white complexion, adorned with celestial ornaments and jewels. White jambala is often portrayed riding a snow lion, sometimes portrayed as dragon, symbolizing his protective abilities.

White jambala is commonly depicted holding a  mongoose in his left hand and a fruit in his right hand. The mongoose in his left hand spouts jewels which symbolizes prosperity and fulfillment of wishes.

He sits in a vajra position upon a lotus. His right leg is extended and placed above a snail while his left leg is drawn inward.

Symbolism

This form of jambala represents the virtues of purity, compassion and the ability of fulfilling wishes. The white complexion of white jambala is associated with purity and elimination of negative qualities.

Mantra :

‘Om Padma Krodha Arya Jambhala Hridaya Hum Phat’

This mantra is associated with white jambala which is chanted by the devotees to seek blessings for financial prosperity and removal of obstacles hindering abundance.

In ancient Buddhism, there was a belief that worshipping him would lead them to finding hidden treasures.

Also, His worship is believed to bring material and spiritual well-being.

Red Dzambala

Introduction

Red Dzambala is believed to be the manifestation of Vajrasattva, the Buddha of purification, renowned for his attracting and magnetizing attributes. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is known as Zambhala Mapo. In some pictures, his head is depicted as that of an elephant, leading some people to consider him as the Hindu god of wealth, Ganesha.

Iconography

Red Dzambala is depicted with a radiant red complexion, sitting in a vajra position with his right leg extended and placed above a snail and lotus, while his left leg his drawn inward.

He is sometimes depicted with a elephant face or otherwise portrayed with two face and four arms, carrying treasure spouting mongoose in his left hand and khorla(cakra) in his right hand.

He is sometimes shown in union with his consort Vasudhara, the goddess of wealth, who holds a kapala containing nectar in her left hand and Norbu Mebar in her right hand. The union symbolizes the embodiment of wisdom and magnetizing activity.

Symbolism

This form of jambala represents the virtues of  passion, magnetism and the power to attract.

Mantra:

“Om Jambhala Jalendraye Dhanam Medehi Hrih Dakini Jambhala Sambhara Svaha”

This mantra is chanted by devotees to seek  blessings for magnetizing positive energies, attracting wealth, and enhancing influential abilities.

The people in position of higher power or those seeking higher power often worship Red Jambhala, as it can attract people, wealth and fame.

Black Dzambala

Introduction

Black Jambhala is the manifestation of Amoghasiddhi buddha, and he is sometimes known as the Hindu god of wealth Kubera. In Buddhism, it is believed that Amoghasiddhi Buddha manifested as black Jambhala in the request of  Buddha Sakyamuni to benefit sentient beings suffering from poverty.

Iconography

Black Dzmbhala is depicted with black or dark complexion, emphasizing his fierce and powerful nature.

Different from other Jambalas, he is adorned with wrathful ornaments such as a skull crown, bone garland, and a leopard skin. Sometimes, he is also depicted wearing the usual celestial ornaments.

Depending on artistic representation, he is sometimes depicted standing or sitting with a fierce expression. His right hand holds a blood-filled skull-cup, and the left hand holds a mongoose. His right leg is extended, pressing upon the yellow lord of wealth while his left leg is straight. This posture often signifies a readiness to swiftly respond to the needs of devotees.

Symbolism

This form of Jambhala represents the power to overcome negativities, obstacles, and challenges. The black color symbolizes the fierce, protective and a compassionate force needed to overcome challenges.

Mantra:

 “Om Jambhala Jalendraye Bashu Dharini Svaha”

Devotees worship Black Jambala to seek blessings for financial success, the removal of obstacles, and protection from negative forces.

Dzambala practice

 In the ancient scriptures, there's a fascinating tale about pouring water over Jambala while worshiping him.

Dzambala’s appearance

According to the story, while Shakyamuni Buddha was teaching the Maha Prajna Paramita Sutra, his jealous cousin threw rocks at him. To protect Buddha, Jambhala stood in front, and the rocks hit the heads of White and Yellow Jambala and the stomach of Black Jambala.

Buddha’s Blessings

Hit by the rock, Jambala fell to the ground. Witnessing the scene, Lord Buddha approached and blessed him. From Buddha's hands flowed a nectar-like substance of wisdom and compassion, touching Jambala's head. The nectar filled him with bliss, purifying impurities, clearing obstructions, and healing wounds.

Dzambala’s promise

After Dzambala was healed, he bowed down to the buddha and thanked him.

The buddha then said to Dzmbhala:

“As I have healed you and I poured this holy nectar onto you, in the future any one of my students or student’s students who invokes your power and pours water onto your head - bestow on them wealth, give them the two types of wealth, material wealth and spiritual wealth, more importantly spiritual wealth.”

After that, Jambhala folded his hands and said, “I will do as you have said and I promise that I will do that.”

Modern context

This is why, during Jambala worship, water is poured over the heads of White and Yellow Jambala and onto the stomach of Black Jambala, relieving their pain. This sacred act symbolizes the flow of spiritual and material prosperity