Daikokuten is a popular figure in Japanese mythology who is widely known as one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is also referred to as the god of wealth, commerce, and trade. Daikokuten is one of the most important household deities in Japan, and his image can be found in many shops across the country.
The name Daikokuten is derived from the Sanskrit term Mahākāla, which means “Great Black [One],” “Great Time,” or “Great Death.” In Hinduism, this term was originally one of the epithets of the god Shiva in his aspect as time, the ultimate destroyer of all things. Daikokuten is often depicted as a plump, happy man with a wide smile, carrying a large sack of rice on his back and holding a small mallet in his hand.
In Japanese mythology, Daikokuten is associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. He is also considered to be the protector of Buddhist monasteries and their kitchens. According to legend, Daikokuten is the son of the god Okuninushi and the goddess Kaguyahime. His family tree is connected to many other deities in Japanese mythology, including his siblings, Ebisu and Benzaiten.
Overview
Daikokuten is a syncretic deity in Japanese mythology who is known as one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is associated with prosperity, wealth, and good fortune. Daikokuten is also known as the god of five cereals and is believed to bring bountiful harvests to farmers.
The name Daikokuten is derived from the Sanskrit word Mahakala, which means “Great Time” or “Great Black One.” This name was given to him because he was originally a Buddhist deity who was believed to have the power to control time and space. Over time, Daikokuten’s image became blended with that of the native Shinto god Okuninushi, who was the god of agriculture and medicine.
Daikokuten is often depicted as a stout, jovial figure with a large head and a wide smile. He is usually shown holding a mallet in his right hand and a sack of treasure in his left hand. The mallet is believed to represent the power to overcome obstacles, while the sack of treasure symbolizes wealth and abundance.
Daikokuten is also associated with the kitchen and is often depicted standing on a bale of rice or sitting on a bag of grain. He is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to households and businesses, and his image is commonly seen in shops and restaurants throughout Japan.
Etymology
Daikokuten’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Mahakala,” which means “great time.” In Japanese, his name is written as “Daikokuten,” which means “great black deity.” This name is a reference to his dark complexion and his association with wealth and prosperity.
Daikokuten is often depicted with a large sack of rice on his back, which symbolizes his role as the god of agriculture and fertility. He is also sometimes shown holding a hammer, which represents his ability to create wealth and prosperity.
In addition to his association with agriculture and wealth, Daikokuten is also considered to be a protector of children. He is often depicted with a child on his back, which symbolizes his role as a guardian and protector.
Overall, Daikokuten is a multifaceted deity with many important roles in Japanese mythology. His name and attributes reflect his importance as a god of prosperity, fertility, and protection.
Attributes
Iconography
Daikokuten is commonly depicted as a plump, smiling man with a wide face, wearing a black hat and holding a golden mallet. He is often shown sitting on bales of rice, which symbolize his role as a god of abundance and prosperity. Some representations of Daikokuten also include a bag of treasures, which he is said to distribute to those who are faithful to him.
Symbols
In addition to his iconic mallet and hat, Daikokuten is associated with several other symbols. One of these is the rat, which is said to be his companion and to represent his ability to detect and ward off evil spirits. Another symbol associated with Daikokuten is the straw bag, which is said to contain the treasures he distributes to his followers.
Associations
Daikokuten is associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. He is often invoked by those seeking success in business or agriculture, and is considered a patron of both. In addition, Daikokuten is associated with the household, particularly the kitchen, and is said to protect families from harm. Finally, Daikokuten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japanese mythology, and is often depicted alongside the other members of this group.
Family Tree
Relatives
Daikokuten is considered to be one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology. He is often depicted with Ebisu, the god of fishermen and good luck, and the two are sometimes considered to be brothers. Daikokuten is also associated with the goddess Benzaiten, who is the goddess of everything that flows, including water, music, and language. Additionally, Daikokuten is sometimes depicted alongside the god of longevity, Fukurokuju, and the god of wisdom, Jurōjin.
Mythological Lineage
Daikokuten’s origins are somewhat murky, but he is believed to have originated in India as the god Mahākāla. Over time, he was introduced to Japan via the esoteric Tendai and Shingon sects, and his image gradually transformed into a more jovial, beneficent figure. As he became associated with wealth and fertility, his darker traits were downplayed.
In Japanese mythology, Daikokuten is often associated with the god Ōkuninushi, who is the god of medicine and magic. Ōkuninushi is also known as the god of the land, and he is often depicted with a white rabbit. It is said that Daikokuten and Ōkuninushi are cousins, and that they share a close relationship due to their shared association with agriculture and prosperity.
Mythology
Legends
Daikokuten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology. He is the god of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. According to the legend, Daikokuten was born from the left eye of the god Izanagi, who created the islands of Japan. He is often depicted carrying a large sack of treasures, a magic mallet, and a straw hat. Daikokuten is also associated with the five cereals, which represent the basis of human existence.
Another legend tells of how Daikokuten helped a poor farmer who was struggling to make ends meet. The farmer prayed to Daikokuten for help, and the god appeared to him in a dream, telling him to plant a certain type of crop in a specific field. The farmer followed the instructions and was able to harvest an abundant crop, which he sold for a large profit. From that day on, the farmer worshipped Daikokuten as his patron god.
Cultural Significance
Daikokuten is a popular deity in Japan, and his image can be found in many homes, shops, and businesses. He is often depicted with Ebisu, another of the Seven Lucky Gods, and the two are considered to be a pair. Daikokuten is also associated with Buddhist temples and monasteries, where he is worshipped as the protector of the kitchen and the god of food. In some regions of Japan, he is also worshipped as a god of fertility and agriculture.
In Japanese culture, Daikokuten is seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. His image is often used in advertising and marketing, particularly for products related to wealth and finance. The god’s name is also used in Japanese idioms and expressions, such as “Daikokuten’s blessings” or “Daikokuten’s smile,” which refer to good fortune and success.