Kichijoten is a Japanese goddess of beauty, prosperity, and fertility. She is often considered one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, and her mythology is closely tied to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Her name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Sri,” which means “prosperity,” and “Lakshmi,” the Hindu goddess of wealth and fortune.
According to Japanese mythology, Kichijoten is the daughter of the god Bishamon and the goddess Benzaiten. She is often depicted holding a lotus flower, which represents purity and enlightenment, and a biwa, a traditional Japanese lute. Kichijoten is also associated with love and compassion, and is believed to have the ability to bring good luck and fortune to those who worship her.
Kichijoten’s mythology has been shaped by a number of Chinese and Korean folk beliefs, but she is largely an intact version of the Indian goddess Lakshmi. Her attributes include beauty, prosperity, fertility, love, and compassion. Her family tree includes her father Bishamon and her mother Benzaiten, who are both important gods in Japanese mythology.
Overview
Kichijoten is a goddess of beauty and happiness in Japanese mythology. She is often included as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who grant fortune to followers in Japan. The name Kichijoten means “Heavenly Good Luck and Fortunes.” She is a Buddhist version of the Indian goddess Lakshmi. Her mythology is closely tied to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Kichijoten is known for her elegance and blessings bestowed upon those who honor her. She is a famous Japanese goddess who is known for her beauty, fertility, and fortune. Her brother is the lucky warrior god Bishamon. Sometimes she joins him in the Shichi Fukujin when Jurojin or Fukurokuju need time off.
Kichijoten has special responsibility for geisha girls, singers, and dancers. She also loves a good Japanese opera. She is often depicted holding a lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Kichijoten is a beloved figure in Japanese culture and is widely revered throughout Japan.
Etymology
Name Origin
Kichijoten’s name is derived from the Japanese words “吉祥天” which means “Heavenly Good Luck and Fortunes.” Her name reflects her role as a goddess of beauty and happiness. Kichijoten is also known as Kisshoutennyo or “Goddess of Good Fortune,” which further emphasizes her association with prosperity and luck.
Historical Context
Kichijoten’s origin can be traced back to the ancient Indian goddess Lakshmi, who is also associated with wealth and prosperity. As Buddhism spread to Japan, Lakshmi was adopted into the Buddhist pantheon and became known as Kichijoten. She was later included as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who are believed to bring good fortune to their followers in Japan.
Kichijoten’s popularity continued to grow during the Heian period (794-1185), a time of peace and prosperity in Japan. She was often depicted in artwork and literature as a symbol of beauty and happiness. Today, Kichijoten remains an important figure in Japanese mythology and continues to be worshipped by many.
Attributes
Kichijoten is a goddess of beauty and prosperity, known for her kind nature and compassion towards humans. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman, dressed in elegant clothing and holding a lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and enlightenment.
Iconography
Kichijoten’s iconography often includes a variety of symbols that represent her qualities and attributes. In addition to the lotus flower, she is also commonly depicted with a musical instrument, such as a lute or a biwa, which represents her love of music and the arts. She is also sometimes shown with a mirror, which symbolizes her role as a goddess of beauty and femininity.
Symbolism
Kichijoten’s symbolism is closely tied to her role as a goddess of beauty and prosperity. Her image is often used to promote the idea of beauty as a source of good fortune and happiness, and she is associated with the idea of abundance and wealth. Her image is also used to promote the idea of femininity and motherhood, and she is often seen as a symbol of maternal care and nurturing.
Influence
Kichijoten’s influence can be seen throughout Japanese culture, where she is often depicted in art, literature, and other forms of media. Her image is used to promote the idea of beauty as a source of good fortune and happiness, and she is often associated with the idea of abundance and wealth. Her role as a goddess of femininity and motherhood has also made her an important symbol of maternal care and nurturing in Japanese culture.
Family Tree
Divine Lineage
Kichijoten is a Buddhist goddess of beauty and happiness, and she is sometimes included as one of the Seven Lucky Gods who grant fortune to followers in Japan. According to the Japanese mythology, she is the daughter of Bishamonten, the god of war and warriors. Her mother is believed to be either Benzaiten, the goddess of music, or Kisshoutennyo, the goddess of happiness and fertility. Kichijoten is also considered to be the sister of the god of good fortune, Jurōjin.
Relationships
Kichijoten is often depicted alongside other deities, particularly the Seven Lucky Gods, with whom she shares many attributes. She is commonly paired with Benzaiten, the goddess of music, and is sometimes considered one of her manifestations. Kichijoten is also associated with Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. In some traditions, she is believed to be the Japanese version of the Indian goddess Lakshmi. Kichijoten is also considered the wife of Bishamonten, with whom she shares a divine lineage.
Mythology
Legends
Kichijoten is a Japanese goddess of beauty and happiness. She is also referred to as Kisshōten or Kichijōten. According to legend, Kichijoten was born from the left eye of the deity Avalokitesvara, who is known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman holding a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment.
Cultural Significance
Kichijoten is considered one of the Seven Gods of Fortune in Japan. She is believed to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity to her followers. Kichijoten’s mythology combines elements of Buddhism and Hinduism, reflecting the cultural exchange between Japan and India. Her name means “Heavenly Good Luck and Fortunes,” and she is often depicted with a peacock, a symbol of beauty and prosperity.
Worship and Rituals
Kichijoten is worshipped in various ways in Japan. Some people offer her flowers, incense, and food, while others recite prayers or chants in her honor. In some Buddhist temples, Kichijoten is enshrined alongside other deities. She is also sometimes included in the Shichi Fukujin, or Seven Lucky Gods, who are worshipped during the Japanese New Year. Kichijoten’s popularity as a deity reflects the importance of beauty, happiness, and good fortune in Japanese culture.