Benzaiten
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Benzaiten, or simply Benten, is an East Asian Buddhist dharmapāla who originated from the Hindu goddess Saraswati, the patroness of speech, the arts, and learning.
Benzaiten with a lute (biwa) seated on a white dragon
Saraswati by Raja Ravi Varma
Benzaiten with eight arms holding a bow, an arrow, a sword, a spear, an axe, a single-pronged vajra, a wheel, and a noose
Eight-armed Benzaiten surrounded by the goddesses Kariteimo (Hariti) and Kenrōchijin (Prithvi) and two divine generals (c. 1212)
Seven Lucky Gods
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In Japanese mythology, the Seven Lucky Gods or Seven Gods of Fortune are believed to grant good luck and are often represented in netsuke and in artworks. One of the seven is said to be based on a his
Benzaiten
…popular belief. As such, she was eventually also worshiped as a bestower of monetary fortune and became part of the set of popular deities known as the Seven Lucky Gods (shichifukujin). Benzaiten is depicted in various fashions in Japanese art. She is often shown holding a biwa, similar to how Saraswati is often depicted…
Netsuke depicting the Seven Gods of Fortune, on display at Bern Historical Museum
The Seven Lucky Gods at Watatsumi Shrine in Tarumi-ku, Kobe
Brooklyn Museum - Shibata Zeshin (Japanese, 1807−1891). Seven Gods of Good Luck, c. 1885
Amaterasu cave wide