et al.
Ebisu From the period of the gods
Izanami and
Izanagi, Ebisu (恵比寿) is the only one whose origins are purely Japanese. He is the god of prosperity and wealth in business, and of plenitude and abundance in crops, cereals and food in general. He is the patron of
fishermen and therefore is represented with fishermen's costumes such as a typical hat, a fishing rod in his right hand and a fish that can be either a
carp, a
hake, a
codfish or a sea bass, or any large fish, in general, that symbolize abundance in meals (such as a feast or banquet). It is now common to see his figure in restaurants where fish is served in great quantities or in household kitchens. The Japanese name
Daikoku is a direct translation of the Sanskrit name
Mahākāla which means "Great Blackness". Per the
Butsuzōzui compendium of 1690 (reprinted and expanded in 1796), Daikoku can also manifest as a female known as
Daikokunyo (大黒女, lit. "She of Great Blackness") or
Daikokutennyo (大黒天女, lit. "She of Great Blackness of the Heavens").
Bishamonten Bishamonten's (毘沙門天) origins can be traced back to
Hinduism, but he has been adopted into Japanese culture. He comes from the Hindu god
Kubera and is also known by the name "
Vaisravana". He is the god of fortune in war and battles, also associated with authority and dignity. He is the protector of those who follow the rules and behave appropriately. As the patron of fighters, he is represented dressed in
armour and a helmet, and is often seen carrying a
pagoda. He also acts as the protector of holy sites and important places and wields a spear to fight against evil spirits. He is usually depicted in illustrations with a hoop of fire.
Benzaiten Benzaiten's (弁才天 or 弁財天) origin is found in
Hinduism, as she comes from the Hindu goddess
Saraswati. She is the only female Fukujin in the modern grouping, and may be named in various ways: Benzaiten (弁才天), Benten (弁天), Bentensama (弁天様), or Benzaitennyo (弁才天女). When she was
adapted from
Buddhism, she was given the attributes of financial fortune, talent, beauty and music among others. Often, her figure appears with a
torii. She is represented as a smart, beautiful woman with all the aforementioned attributes. She carries a
biwa, a Japanese traditional lute-like instrument, and is normally accompanied by a white snake. She is the patron of artists, writers, dancers, and
geisha, among others. Kichijōten's
iconography is distinguished from the other Fukujin goddesses by the
Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in her hand. When Kichijōten replaces Fukurokuju, and Daikoku is regarded in feminine form, all three of the Hindu
Tridevi goddesses are then represented among the seven Fukujin. == Takarabune ==