Seven Lucky Gods

Diakokuten, Jurojin & Fukurokuju, Benzaiten, Bishamomten, Hotei, Ebisu
Three originated in India, three in China; only Ebisu has his orignins in Japan.

Click the picture of each to find out more.

Daikoku - god of wealth and prosperity; farmers - especially grains. His mallet is said to be similar to the cornicopia, producing endless bounty of anything desired when struck. He is from india, and is often pictured standing on bales of rice with a large sack and his magic mallet. He also sometimes appears as the three headed Daikoku protecting the three Buddhist treasures (the Buddha, the law, and the followers). In Japan he is considered the god of success in worldly endeavors.

Jurojin (god of longevity), & Fukurokuju- (god of wisdom and longevity) originating in China are often said to inhabit the same body. Both carry a cane with a scroll. Fukurokuju's scroll is said to contain all the wisdom in the world. Jurojin's scroll is said to hold the secret to longevity or alternately, the lifespan of every living thing in the world.

Benzaiten - goddess of music, fine arts, literature and elegance. Originally from India, she carries a Japanese mandolin and is the only female in the group. She also carries a jewel that grants desires: some say jade, some pearl.

Bishamomten - god of war, warriors and treasure originally from India. He is usually armor clad with a spear in one hand and a pagoda in the other. The pagoda symbolizes the divine treasure; he is a protector and dispenser of it's treasure. [Bad guys need not appeal to him as he will give them nothing but trouble.]

Hotei - from China is the god of contentment and happiness. He is sometimes referred to as the laughing Buddha. He carries a bag of food that never empties. He has a cheerful face and a big belly. Rubbing his stomach is said to bring good luck. He also carries a fan which is said to be a wish givinig fan. In modern times he is said to also be the god of restauranteurs and bartenders... and if one has a little too much food or drink, they can blame Hotei's influence.

Ebisu - Japanese original god of fishermen, rice farmers, good luck and commerce. He holds a fish (red sea bream), fishing rod, and a folding fan. He is meant to grant success to people in their chosen professions. Ebisu is said to be the son of Daikoku and they are often pictured together.