About Bishamonten in Japan

Bishamonten (Vaisravana) is a Buddhist deity who belongs to the heavenly realm in Buddhism. He is one of the four heavenly kings and twelve heavenly deities, and protects the northern direction. When he is enshrined as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, he is called Tamonten. Bishamonten is also the god of war and is said to bring victory. He is also one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune and is a god of good fortune who bestows various virtues.

In Japan, Bishamonten is known as the Seven Lucky Gods and the Four Heavenly Kings, but his predecessor is said to be Kubera, the god of treasure that appears in Indian mythology. Kubera, the Indian god of wealth, is also called ''Vaishravana'' in Sanskrit. The sound ''Vaishravana'' was translated into Chinese as ''Bishamon.'' It is said that the word ''ten'', which means god or heaven, was added to this word ''Bishamon'', giving it the name ''Bishamonten''.

Kubera, the Indian god of wealth, who was the predecessor of Vaisravana, had another name, "Vaishravana. This name "Vaishravana" could be taken to mean "listening well" in Sanskrit. This meaning of "listening well" was then translated into Chinese and became "Tamon-ten. This name was then introduced to Japan, and together with Bishamonten, it is believed to be the origin of the name "Tamonten".

In Japan, he is called "Bishamonten" when enshrined as a Dokonin, and "Tamonten" when enshrined as a Shitenno.

Bishamonten is one of the guardian deities called Dharma-gods who protect Buddhism from evil, and among them, he protects the direction of the north. Kubera, the predecessor of Vaisravana, is also one of the Lokapala (guardians of the world) in Indian mythology, protecting the northern direction.

Bishamonten is said to be the patron god of the north as well as the god of treasures. The sutra "Butsetsu Bishamon-tenno Gongtokyo" (Buddhist scriptures on the merits and virtues of Bishamon-tenno) tells us that in Tenkei Castle, where Bishamon-tenno lives, treasures and blessings are so abundant that he burns them away three times a day, and that those who take refuge in Bishamon-tenno will be blessed with these blessings.

Kubera of India, the predecessor of Vaisnava, is also a god of wealth and treasure, and holds in his hands a bundle of jewels and a mongoose that spits out gems.

Vaisravana is accompanied by his dependents, Yaksha and Rasetsu. In Indian mythology, Yaksha and Rasetsu were nature spirits called Yaksha and Rakeshasa, respectively, who served the treasure god Kubera. In Buddhism, they are the Hachibukishu (eight demons) who serve the Four Heavenly Kings, all of whom serve Bishamonten (Tamonten).

In Japan, the form of Bishamonten statues is not uniform. Some hold a dabotsu and a treasure stick, others hold a dabotsu and a trident, and still others hold only the dabotsu and place the other hand on the waist. Each of them has a different handle. Many of them have evil demons trampling on their feet. There are also statues of Bishamonten standing on the earthly heavenly maiden and two demons (Nibaba and Biaiba), and they are called "tohatsu bishamonten.
Bishamonten statues are often seen with a geki in the right hand and a dabotsu in the left. The Bishamonten statue of Oiwasan Bishamonten holds a dabotsu in his right hand and a geki in his left, trampling evil demons.

The Four Heavenly Kings serve Teishakuten and are responsible for protecting Buddhism on the hillside of Mount Sumeru.
The Four Heavenly Kings are located in the heavenly realms among the ten realms (hell, hungry ghost, animal, shura, human, heaven, voice, hearing, karma, bodhisattva, and Buddha). The heavenly realms are divided into the colorless, colorful, and greedy realms, and the Four Heavenly Kings are said to be located in the greedy realms, especially in the four great heavenly realms of the earthly dwelling heaven within the greedy realms.
Each of the Four Heavenly Kings is guarded by Jikko-Ten in the east, Zocho-ten in the south, Hiromokuten in the west, and Tamonten (Bishamonten) in the north. Tamonten (Bishamonten) assumes the role of leader of the Four Heavenly Kings.

The Twelve Heavenly Hosts is the collective name for the twelve various heavenly deities of the "heavenly part," the Buddhist guardian deities of good deities. The Twelve Heavenly Hosts are the eight heavenly deities protecting the four directions (east, west, south, and north) plus northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest, plus the two heavenly deities of heaven and earth and the two heavenly deities of the sun and moon. Of the four heavenly deities protecting the four directions, only Bishamonten (Tamonten as the Four Heavenly Kings) in the north is in agreement with the Four Heavenly Kings.

1. East: Teishakuten(Shakra)
2. Southeast: Katen(Agni)
3. South: Enmaten(Yama)
4. Southwest: Rasetsu Ten(Rakshasa)
5. West: Suiten(Varuna)
6. Northwest: Futen(Vayu)
7. North: Bishamonten (Vaisravana)
8. Northeast: Izanaten(Ishana)
9. Above: Bonten (Brahma)
10. Below: Jiten(Bhumi)
11. Sun: Nitten(Surya)
12. Moon : Gatten(Candra)

Shichifukujin refers to the seven gods of good fortune that are worshipped in Japan. The origins of these gods of good fortune vary, and include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism. Historically, the deities belonging to the Seven Gods of Good Fortune were not constant and there were many different styles. Today, Bishamonten, Ebisu, Jurojin, Daikokuten, Fukurokuju, Benzaiten, and Hotei are often considered to be the seven gods of good fortune.
Daikokuten is enshrined along with Sanno-gongen on the west side of the main hall in the precincts of Oiwasan Bishamonten.

The Shichifukujin Meguri* is said to have originated in Kyoto during the Muromachi period (1333-1573).
The Shichifukujin Meguri (Seven Deities of Good Luck) Tour dates back to 1942 in Ashikaga. It was started to pray for the prosperity of families, the improvement of health, and the prosperity of the city of Ashikaga.
Although it was temporarily suspended during World War II, it resumed on New Year's Day 1987 and has continued to the present day.
The Ashikaga Seven Lucky Gods Tour is a pilgrimage that allows visitors to experience the historic sites in the center of Ashikaga City as well as the natural beauty of the central and northern areas of the city.

*The Shichifukujin Meguri (Seven Gods of Good Fortune Tour) is a tour of temples and shrines enshrining the seven gods, Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Hotei, Fukurokuju, and Jurojin, which are commonly called the "Seven Gods of Good Fortune".

Ashikaga Shichifukujin Meguri: Bishamonten < Prayer for disaster prevention, victory, and fulfillment of one's wishes >

・Shingonshu-sect Oiwasan-Bishamonten-Oiwasan-Tamonin-Saishoji-Temple(Oiwasan-Bishamonten)

Location: 570 Oiwa-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0841 (main-temple), 264 Oiwa-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi (Honbo)

Phone number: 0284-21-0211 (main-temple), 0284-21-8885 (Honbo)

Go to the information page of Oiwasan-Bishamonten

・Jishu-sect Syomyosan Jonenji Temple

Location: 7-3094 Dori, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0814
Telephone number: 0284-21-2016

Ashikaga Shichifukujin Meguri: Ebisu < disaster prevention, inviting good fortune, and prosperous business >

・Nishimiya-jinja shrine

Location: 2931 Nishinomiya-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0817
Telephone number: 0284-21-6790

Ashikaga Shichifukujin Meguri: Jurojin < longevity, wealth, and good fortune >

・Sotoshu-sect Daensan Shintsuin Temple

Location: 1-1742 Honjo, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0808
Telephone number: 0284-41-3202

Ashikaga Shichifukujin Meguri: Daikokuten < bountiful harvest and fulfillment of various wishes >

・Shingi-Shingonshu-sect Kongosan Bannaji Temple

Location: 2220 Ietomi-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0803
Telephone number: 0284-41-2627

・Rinzaishu-sect Manjusan Tokuzoji Temple

Location: 9-3, Sarutamachi, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0023
Telephone number: 0284-41-8621

Ashikaga Shichifukujin Meguri: Fukurokuju < Happiness, Fortune, and Longevity >

・Sotoshu-sect Daishozan Chorinji Temple

Location: 2884 Nishinomiya-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0817
Telephone number: 0284-21-5636

Ashikaga Shichifukujin Meguri: Benzaiten < Fortune, wealth, and harmony within the family >

・Honjo-Itsukushima-Jinja Shrine

Location: 4990 Nagusa Kamimachi, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0001
Phone number: 0284-41-9977 ( Nagusa Community Center )

・Nagusa-Itsukushima-Jinja Shrine

Location: 4990 Nagusa Kamimachi, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0001
Phone number: 0284-41-9977 ( Nagusa Community Center )

・Tori-rokuchome-Itsukushima-Jinja Shrine

Location: 6-3177 Tori, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi
Telephone number: 0284-21-9940

Ashikaga Shichifukujin Meguri: Hotei < fortune and safety in the home >

・Rinzaishu-sect Fukuganji Temple

Location: 1-3270 Midori-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0816
Telephone number: 0284-21-6990

For more information on the above Shichifukujin of Ashikaga City, please visit Ashikaga City website

Bishamonten is believed to have numerous benefits, including spiritual protection of the state, fulfillment of one's heart's desire, prayers for victory, protection from disaster, and prosperity in business.

In Buddhism, Bishamonten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the East, West, North, South, and West. Therefore, it is said that Bishamonten was believed to be beneficial for the spiritual protection of the state.
It is said that Oiwasan-Bishamonten was also a strategic point to watch over Emishi when the temple was founded in 745. Even today, prayers for the spiritual protection of the state are offered.

It is said that many military commanders including Prince Shotoku, Shingen Takeda, and Kenshin Uesugi believed in Bishamonten and prayed for victory and longevity of military fortune. Please refer to the following link for more information about victory prayers at Oiwasan-Bishamonten.

Go to the page for praying for victory at Oiwasan Bishamonten

Bishamonten is also one of the seven gods of good fortune. It is said that Bishamonten has so much good fortune that he burns it down three times a day.
It is also said that Bishamonten generously shares his boundless good fortune.

Bishamonten is the patron god of Buddhism and a god of good fortune.
It is said that Bishamonten is blessed with the power to ward off calamities and invite good fortune.

Go to the page for removing calamities and bringing good luck at Oiwasan Bishamonten

Bishamonten is a Buddha with the power to repel evil and misfortune and to protect the nation.
When we ask him to protect us with his power, he also grants us with blessings such as warding off evil, physical health, and recovery from illness.

Japan's three major Bishamonten are said to be Kuramasan in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Shigisan in Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, and Bishamonten on Oiwasan in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture.

Oiwasan Bishamonten in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, was founded by Gyoki Bodhisattva in 745 during the Nara period (745-784). The main deity is a statue of Bishamonten made of Enbudagon (a type of lacquer made by Prince Shotoku), and the Bishamonten statue housed in a small shrine is the Buddha in the womb. Since ancient times, Bishamonten on Mt. Oiwa, which will celebrate its 1,275th anniversary in 2020, has been the object of worship of many military commanders and common people for the protection of the nation, the fulfillment of one's desires, prayers for victory, and the perpetuation of military fortunes. The entire mountain has flourished as a training site for Shugendo (mountain asceticism), and in recent years, it has also become a popular hiking course.

Go to the information page of Oiwasan-Bishamonten

Go to the page of hiking courses on Mt. Oiwa