The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan are a set of well-known deities with roots that may be traced back to gods of fortune in Indian, Chinese, and Japanese mythology. Shichi is a Japanese word for seven, while fuku and jin are also words for deity. Daikokuten, Bishamonten, and Benzaiten are all believed to have originated in India, while the other three, Ebisu, Daikokuten, and Benzaiten, are believed to have come from China. The only Japanese god to make the cut is Ebisu (Hotei, Jurojin, and Fukurokuju). Each of these seven has been revered as a god for more than a thousand years, and each has a following of followers who, for the most part, are drawn from the particular fields of endeavour to which they are connected. Each of the seven gods is distinguished from the others by his or her outward appearance, the garments that he or she wears, and the objects that he or she is seen carrying or using. These outward traits of each of the seven fortunate Gods are unique from one another due to the fact that they are inextricably linked to the particular vocations that they are known to favour. To this day, people all around the nation pay their respects to the seven fortunate gods, who are believed to be responsible for the people’s health and financial well-being.
It is stated that EBISU is a genuine person and the son of Daikoku. EBISU is a deity that is indigenous to Japan. Ebisu is the god of honesty, prosperity, good fortune, and ethical conduct in commercial transactions. He resembles Daikoku in that he is rotund, has a grin on his face, and has a pointed beard. He almost always wears lavishly brocaded, traditional court garbs when he is seen in public. He has a fishing rod in his bag along with a fish named Tai, which stands for an abundance of food. Ebisu is the god of fisherman, rice farmers, food, management, sailors, merchants, business leaders, and foreigners. He is also known as the god of food. He makes it possible for individuals to achieve success in the careers that they choose. Ebisu is a symbol of good fortune and the bountiful harvest of the sea.
The name DAIKOKUTEN comes from the Indian god Mahakala, who was originally worshipped as the god of death but subsequently transformed into the god of battle. Some believe that he descended from one of Japan’s ancient emperors. As the God of Wealth and Prosperity, he is depicted as chubby, with a large, smiling face, a pointed beard, and short legs. He is also known as Lakshmi. He wears the garb of a wealthy Chinese gentleman, complete with a beret, and he carries a golden mallet in addition to a bag that is stuffed with valuable items. As well as being recognised as the demon hunter, he is the patron god of businesses, bankers, and financiers. Other professions, such as farmers and millers, also consider him to be their patron deity. Those who put their faith in Daikoku, sometimes referred to as Daikokuten, are blessed with good fortune and financial success.
The name BENZAITEN (also spelled Benten) comes from the Indian goddess Sarasvati, who is revered as the patroness of music, the arts, eloquence, and literature. In Japan, she is the only female deity in the pantheon of the seven gods of fortune. She is a goddess who is notorious for her possessiveness. She is often shown with white snakes around her and is pictured with a musical instrument known as the Biwa. Benten is the patron goddess of gamblers, painters, sculptors, authors, and performers of all kinds, including dancers, painters, and writers. Benten is the god of learning, music, art, and literature. He is also associated with the element water.
An incarnation of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, who is a Zen monk from China, HOTEI is now on earth. The Laughing Buddha was a real individual who had the appearance of a vagabond and the demeanour of a beggar. He is the inspiration for this fictional character. He is a bearded guy with a narrow forehead, bristly whiskers, a round tummy, and a big round stomach. He smiles a lot. It is stated that drinking hotei would offer you pleasure and satisfaction, popularity, and magnanimity. It is believed that he walks about with a large bag that is supposed to hold an endless supply of items that are required for day-to-day existence. It is believed that rubbing his naked belly would bring good fortune. He is the god of good fortune, the protector of children, and the patron saint of those who tell fortunes and bartenders.
The legend that gave rise to the FUKUROKUJU practise comes from ancient China and tells the story of a legendary Chinese hermit who lived during the Sung Dynasty. He was known for his miraculous feats and was said to have embodied the heavenly energies of the south pole star. The words “Fuku” and “Roku” both signify happiness, whereas “Ju” refers to longevity. Fukurokuju is the Chinese God of knowledge, happiness, riches, and long life. He is 3 feet tall, with a massive head that is half his height, enormous eyes, and a snowy, long white beard. His name literally translates to “Big Head Half Height.” He enjoys playing chess and dresses in clothing that would have been appropriate for ancient Chinese intellectuals. He is often accompanied by a tortoise and/or cranes at the same time. Because it is believed that he and Jurojin share the same body, he is often confused with that entity. He is worshipped as a deity by those skilled in chess, watchmaking, and athletics.
It is thought that JUROJIN, a Taoist (Chinese) God, carries all of the world’s knowledge on a scroll that is linked to the shaku, the sacred staff that he carries. JUROJIN is known as the God of Wisdom. In addition to having a white beard, he is depicted with a holy staff and a scroll, and he is often pictured with a deer at his side. Because Jurojin and Fukurokujo are thought to share the same body and because they are both shown with a deer as a companion, people often get the two of them mixed up. Even though he is claimed to be the god of knowledge, it is stated that Jurojin is a big drinker and is known to love the company of ladies. This is a little humorous when one considers that he is said to be the god of intelligence. He is the God of all educators, including academics, scientists, and mathematicians.
BISHAMONTEN is believed to have originated in India, where he was known as Viasravana. He is a Buddhist missionary who has been incorrectly referred to as the god of war. This is likely due to the fact that people misinterpret his physical appearance and take it literally. In order to defend the religion and protect himself from anything that may be dangerous, he equips himself with armour and a helmet and carries a halberd. He is tall, has a bushy beard, and in one hand he holds a tower that represents trust and riches; the pigeon that he takes with him is his messenger. He is worshipped as a deity by priests, warriors, and physicians alike. Because he is responsible for warding off all forms of evil, Bishamon-ten is often depicted as having a harsh visage. He is venerated as the God of dignity as well as the bringer of good fortune, money, happiness, righteousness, and religious faith.
