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OTHER TENBU (DEVA)
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What's Here (Last Update: Feb. 6, 2006):
- Kankiten. God of Conjugal Harmony, Child-Giving, Long Life
- Idaten. Kitchen God, Protector of Monasteries and Monks
- Daijizaiten. Protector of Buddhist Teachings & Northeast
- Gigeiten. Goddess of the Arts
- Marishiten. Goddess of Wealth and the Warrior Class
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Origin: Hindu Myth
Names: Vinaayaka,
Nandikeshvara, Ganapati,
Ganesh, Ganesha
Ganesa
Seed Syllable
ギャクギャク
Gyaku Gyaku
Mantra in Japan
おん・・ぎゃくうん そわか
Honjibutsu in Japan
Kannon
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 Kankiten
歓喜天 （かんきてん）
Also known as Kangiten, Kangiten-sama, Shouten (聖天, Shooten, Shoten), or Daishou-Kangiten (大聖歓喜天; だいしょうかんぎてん). Also called the Deva of Bliss.
In Japan, Kangiten is worshipped as a central object of devotion. Kangiten symbolizes conjugal affection, and is thus prayed to by couples hoping for children. Statues of this deity are relatively rare in Japan -- most are kept hidden from public view and used in secretive rituals. Kangiten statues in Japan clearly reflect the deity's Hindu origins, for in India the deity is known as the elephant-headed Ganesha. In Japan, Kankiten is typically depicted with an elephant's head and human body, or as a pair of two-armed, elephant-headed deities in embrace.
Kankiten
Below text courtesy JAANUS
The elephant-headed Indian deity Ganesa. A son of Siva (Shiva) still worshipped as a deity who foils obstacles to ones actions and grants good fortune to new beginnings. He appears in the Ryoukai Mandala 両界曼荼羅 as an elephant-headed deity called Binayakaten 毘那夜迦天. In China and Japan he came to be revered under the the name of Kangiten. Although in texts, two, four and six-armed forms are mentioned, in Japan Kangiten is usually shown as a pair of two-armed, elephant-headed deities in embrace. Images of Kangiten are rare and many are kept as secret images in temples and shrines. Many are small, and made of metal because his ritual involves pouring oil over the images. The ritual associated with Kangiten was secret and was part of other ritual observances, such as the Goshichinichi no Mishuhou 後七日の御修法. In popular worship he signifies conjugal harmony and long life. There is an iconographic drawing of Kangiten in Touji Temple 東寺大自在天秘仏, Kyoto, by Chinkai 珍海 (1091-1152).
 
Kankiten -- Modern Japanese Statues
(L) Kurita Mall (R) Butsuzo Museum (Kurita)
 Kankiten in Japan
by Gabi Greve
In esoteric Buddhism, this deity is often shown as two human-bodied figures with elephant heads, who are embracing each other. As such, they are venerated with prayers for good marriage and children. The male form is thought to be the oldest son of Daijizaiten 大自在天. Daijizaiten is one of the many manifestations of the Hindu god SHIVA, the lord of cosmic destruction (also known as Ishana, one of the 12 Buddhist Deva). The eldest son is also known as Daiboujin 大暴神, the "great wild god." To calm this wild deity, the female form represents an incarnation of the eleven-headed Kannon Bosatsu, who converted this wild god to Buddhism. She is capable of intensive meditation (kanjin 觀心) and thus calms his wildness. So the name of these two is "Deity of Joy" (Kankiten, Kangiten). The statues of these embracing deities are usually not shown to the public, because of the sexual implication. They are kept in separate shrines behind closed doors, the so-called Secret Statues (hibutsu 秘仏). There are more than 250 temples in Japan where Ganesh (Kankiten) is venerated. In Kamakura, at the Houkaij-ji Temple 宝戒寺, is a Kangiten Hall where you can find the oldest statue of a Kankiten in Japan. This image is said to be especially powerful and therefore kept locked in a tabernakel since 1333. This is located in a separate hall for the deity. In special exorcistic rituals for these "secret" deities, the statues are usually poored over with oil, mostly hot oil. Kankiten statues are also venerated by people in the restaurant business. <end story by Gabi Greve>
Ganesh Worship in Japan
by Satish Purohit
Below text adapted from story by Satish Purohit
Scholars commonly date the presence of Ganesha in Japan with the age of Kukai (774- 834), the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. Ganesha's most popular form in Japan is the dual-Vinayaka or the Embracing Kangiten. Two tall figures, elephant headed but human bodied, male and female, stand in embrace. The female wears a jeweled crown, a patched monks robe, and a red surplice. Also called the Deva of Bliss (Ganapati), Kankiten is invoked both for enlightenment and for worldly gains. Kakiten-Vinayaka is offered "bliss buns" (made from curds, honey and parched flour), radishes, wine, and fresh fruits. The offerings are later partaken in the same spirit as Hindus take prasad. Whosoever fulfills the rituals of the dual Kangiten is believed to attain success in all worldly endeavors. <Editor's Note: As for the "bliss buns," I'm not sure if Purohit-san is talking about Japan or India.>
KURITA TRADING CO
www.butuzou.co.jp/english/kankiten.html
In Indian myth, this deity's name means tribal chief. Once incorporated into Buddhism, Kangiten was considered the child of Daijizaiten and the brother of Idaten. A lot of ordinary Japanese people believe in Kangiten, especially those involved in the food and drink business (e.g., restaurants, bars). Sometimes Kangiten is depicted as two human bodies with elephant heads; sometimes as a single body with an elephant head, and sometimes as a couple in which the husband has an elephant head and the wife has the head of a wild boar.
At Miyajima, Japan
Photo: Craig D. Rice, Ameeta Sony, & the UniYatra Group
The central statue is Kankiten (in Hindu form).
Such statues are generally hidden from view,
and are relatively rare in Japan.
Kankiten Statue near entrance to Fukuoka Tower
20 minutes from Nishi-Arashi Station (西新駅)
Photo courtesy this Japanese web site.
RITUAL: Pouring Hot Oil on Kankiten
Story by Gabi Greve
Here is a mysterious story I heard in a temple in Kamakura. For special exorcistic rituals of esoteric Buddhism heated oil is poured over a Buddha statue. The statue in question was a secret statue, so a Kakebotoke substitue object had to be used. Since the Kakebotoke statue of this temple had just been newly made and was quite pretty, the priest wanted to spare it this fate. He decided to reflect the statue in a mirror and poor the heated oil over the mirror. It seems the Gods accepted this sacrificial offer of a substitute with another substitute and peace returned to the poor soul for which the ritual was performed.
 You want to know why this ritual had to be performed? Here's the story I heard. During the early Edo period, a young woman who lived in Kamakura close to this temple had made a wish to the powerful god of this particluar temple (Kangiten) to grant her a child. She soon gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, but died shortly after that. Since it is the custom to go back to the temple and thank the god for a granted favor (o-rei mairi), she could not perform this ceremony and her poor soul was hanging in limbo for quite a while. Just after World War II another woman, Mrs. K. who lived close to the temple, started to have the same dream every night: A young woman appeared at her pillow, telling her the above story and asked her to have a ritual performed to pacify her soul. "If you help me, I will show my gratitude for your act!" the young woman promised.
So, after consulting with the temple priest, the ritual to pacify the soul of the young mother was performed - with the hot oil on the mirror to substitute for the substitute, but the god was pacified anyway and the soul of the young woman could proceed to heaven. She appeared just one more time at the pillow of Mrs. K., thanked her again and promised to do something good for her.
Now, you ask, what good did she do for Mrs. K? The temple in Kamakura is Houkai-ji (Hokaiji), close to Hachiman Shrine. The Buddha statue in question is one of a Kankiten, a very powerful statue of the elephant-headed Ganesh in embrace with his alter-ego. At the southeast corner of the Temple grounds or on the right of the main hall stands a small structure, in which the statue of Kangiten (Nandikesvara in Skt.), is enshrined. The statue (152 cm in height) was made during the first half of the 14th century. It is unique in that it has two elephant faces on two human bodies hugging each other. Originally, Kangiten was a god of Hinduism and was later employed by Buddhism. In Japanese folklore, Kangiten is believed to invite conjugal affection and bless couples with children. Unfortunately, the statue is not on public display and the door is always closed.
Anyway, the priest at Hookai-Ji will tell you that it is dangerous to make a wish at this Kangiten, because if you forget your Thank-you-Return-Visit, something bad will happen, as in the story above.
Finally, who was Mrs. K? That was the wife of the famous poet Kawabata Yasunari. After 1930 the Kawabatas lived close to this temple in Kamakura for a while. In 1968 he received the Nobel Prize and our story happened just a year before that. So Mrs. Kawabata is convinced that her dream and the reward she merited was the Nobel Prize for her husband! This is how I heard it from the wife of the headpriest about 15
years ago. <end story by Gabi Greve>
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Kankiten Memorial Stone, Late Edo Period (estimate)
This memorial stone is located in the garden of a
Japanese onsen (hot spring) establishment. Since onsen's
are conducive to sexual adventures, it is perhaps fitting that
the stone memorial is dedicated to Kankiten
Photo courtesy of:
www4.wisnet.ne.jp/~junko/1/6-040627-06.htm
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Idaten
Manpukuji Temple, Kyoto
Kamakura Era
Idaten
Gifu Precture
Tsushiji Temple
Kamakura Era
<source>
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IDATEN
韋駄天 or 違駄天
God of the Kitchen and Protector
of Monastaries and Monks
Origin:
Skanda (Skt.) of Hindu Myth
Mantra (Japanese):
オン ケンダヤ ソワカ
Said to prevent theft against the person chanting the mantra.
Once incorporated into Buddhism, Idaten was considered the child of Daijizaiten and the brother of the elephant-headed Kankiten.
IDATEN
Below text courtesy of JAANUS.
The Indian deity Skanda, son of Siva (Shiva) and general of his army, who became a protector of the Dharma in Buddhism. The names Sukanda 塞建駄, Shikenda 私建陀, Kenda 建陀, and Ida Shougun 韋駄将軍 (General Ida) are also used. Idaten is mentioned in the sutras KONKOUMYOUKYOU 金光明経 and DAIHATSUNEHANKYOU 大般涅槃経, but his appearance is not described. It is thought that in China he was conflated with a famous Chinese general and that his characteristic appearance, wearing armor, with a sword or baton resting on his forearms and his hands clasped together in the Veneration Mudra (gasshou 合掌), is derived from this. Although in Buddhist texts Idaten is a protector of Buddhist teachings, in various parts of China, especially in Chan (Zen), he was considered a protector of monasteries and monks. In Japan he was enshrined in Zen living quarters and kitchens. The oldest example of his image is the Song dynasty sculpture to the right of the sharihoutou 舎利宝塔 in the shariden 舎利殿 of Sennyuuji Temple 泉涌寺 in Kyoto, which was brought to Japan from China by Tankai 湛海 in 1255 along with relics from Taishan 泰山 (Jp: Taizan) and Bailiansi 白蓮寺 (Jp: Byakurenji). Idaten has a close relationship with relics because of the story that while guarding the Buddha's ashes a demon tried to steal them, whereupon he chased the demon away and retrieved the ashes. Other examples include the Kamakura period sculpture in Tsushinji Temple 乙津寺 in Gifu prefecture, and the sculpture in Manpukuji Temple 万福寺, Kyoto, (possibly made by the Chinese artist Fan Daosheng 笵道生 [Jp: Han Dousei, 1637-70] who was active at Manpukuji). There is also a Kamakura-period painting at Sennyuuji Temple.
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IDATEN
Below text courtesy of
Buddhistinformation.com
Idaten is a god of the kitchen who looks after the provisions of the Buddhist brotherhood. The original Sanskrit term for Idaten seems to be Skanda (and not Veda as may be suggested from i-da or wei-t'o). He is one of the eight generals belonging to Virudhaka, the guardian god of the southern quarter. He is a great runner and wherever there is trouble he is instantly found there. In the Chinese monastery he occupies an important seat in the hall of the four guardian gods, but in Japan he is in a little shrine attached to the monks' dining-room. <end quote>
IDATEN
Below text courtesy
of Kondo Tadahiro
Idaten (Skt. = Skanda) is one of many guardian deities. Known as a swift runner, for legend asserts that he ran with great speed to catch the thieves who stole the ashes of the deceased Historical Buddha. Statues of Idaten are often installed in kitchens of Zen temples or the living quarters of Zen priests. The statue of Idaten at Jochi Temple in Kamakura is 87 centimeters in height, and was carved in the 14th century. Sculptor unknown. It was designated as an Important Cultural Asset by the City of Kamakura. <end quote>
Idaten; Height 24 cm.
No location given by source. Edo era.
Above photo courtesy this J-Site
Idaten Stone Statue
Located on grounds of Nishimitsu Temple (Tokyo)
東京都台東区谷中６丁目 新義真言宗 佛到山 西光寺境内
This statue was made on behalf of Toudou
Takatora (1556-1630), commander of the Japanese navy in
the invasion of Korea called "Bunroku Keicho no Eki"
Photo courtesy of:
www.cnet-ta.ne.jp/p/pddlib/photo/yanaka/idaten.htm
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Daijizaiten 大自在天
Below text courtesy JAANUS
Translation of Sanskrit Mahesvara. Also transliterated as Makeishura 摩醯首羅, one of the many names of Shiva (Siva), who, along with Brahma (Bonten 梵天) and Vishnu (Visnu) is one of the three chief gods of Hinduism. Presiding in particular over cosmic destruction, Shiva is regarded as the supreme Hindu deity.
Daijizaiten was adopted into Buddhism as a protector of the Buddhist teachings and is also counted among the guardians of the eight directions, presiding over the northeast corner, and thus figuring among the "Twelve Deva" (Juuniten 十二天), consisting of the eight guardians plus the guardians of heaven, earth, sun and moon. In this context he appears under the name Ishana 伊舎那.
According to the traditions of Esoteric Buddhism, before becoming a Buddhist tutelary deity, Daijizaiten was first vanquished by Gousanze Myouou 降三世明王, the conqueror of earthly desires. As a result he and his consort Uma 烏摩 (Skt: Uma) often appear in representations of Gousanze, who is shown trampling them underfoot.
Although Daijizaiten did not become the object of an independent cult in China and Japan, a number of many-faced and many-armed forms are described in ritual texts, while in the Womb World Mandala (Taizoukai Mandala 胎蔵界曼荼羅) he appears in the Gekongoubuin 外金剛部院 with two arms, dark-red in colour, seated on a dark-blue buffalo, and accompanied by Uma, also seated on a buffalo. Gigeiten 技芸天, a minor deity and patroness of the arts, is believed to have been born from his hairline. < end quote by JAANUS >
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Gigeiten
Akishinodera 秋篠寺
Wood. Nara Pref.
Head from Nara era,
body from Kamakura era.
Photo courtesy here
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Gigeiten 技芸天
Below text courtesy JAANUS
Goddess of the Arts
A minor Buddhist deity revered in Japan as patroness of the arts. According to the GIGEI TENNYO NENJUHO 技芸天女念誦法, she was born from the hairline of Daijizaiten 大自在天 (Skt; Mahesvara; see above) while he was playing music, whence she is also known as Daijizaitennyo 大自在天女 or Makeishura-choushou-tennyo 摩醯首羅頂生天女 ("goddness born from the crown of Mahesvara" ).
She is described in literature as holding celestial flowers in her raised left hand, and the hem of her robes with her right hand. However the reknowned sculpture at Akishinodera 秋篠寺 (Nara), with a dry-lacquer head dating from the Nara period attached to a wooden carved body dating from the Kamakura period, takes the form of a bodhisattva (bosatsu), with the right hand raised and the left hand fingering her robes.
Some scholars do question whether this figure actually represents Gigeiten at all. There are very few representations of Gigeiten as an object of worship, but more recently a large wooden image of her was produced by Takeuchi Hisakazu 竹内久一 (1857-1916) for the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago.
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MARISHITEN 摩利支天
Alternate spellings 摩里支 or 摩利支 or 摩梨支 or 末利支. Transliteration of Sanskrit Marīci (Marici). She is one of the 20 Celestials 二十天.
Below text from Soothill's Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Terms: "Marīci. Rays of light, the sun's rays, said to go before the sun; mirage; also intp. as a wreath. A goddess, independent and sovereign, protectress against all violence and peril. 'In Brahmanic mythology, the personification of light, offspring of Brahmā, parent of Sūrya.' 'Among Chinese Buddhists Maritchi is represented as a female with eight arms, two of which are holding aloft emblems of sun and moon, and worshipped as goddess of light and as the guardian of all nations, whom she protects from the fury of war. She is addressed as 天后 queen of heaven, or as 斗姥 (lit. Mother of the Southern Measure (Sagittarī), and identified with Tchundi and with Mahēśvarī, the wife of Maheśvara, and has therefore the attribute Mātrikā, mother of Buddhas <Eitel>. Taoists address her as Queen of Heaven." <end Soothill quote>.
Soothill also mentions the following:
- 斗姥 Dame of the Bushel; queen of heaven 天后 or Marīci, 摩利支
- 準提 Candī, or Cundi; also 准胝; 尊提. (1) In Brahmanic mythology a vindictive form of Durgā, or Pārvatī, wife of Śiva. (2) In China identified with Marīci 摩里支 or 天后 Queen of Heaven. She is represented with three eyes and eighteen arms; also as a form of Guanyin, or in Guanyin's retinue. < end Soothill quote >
Below Text
Courtesy JAANUS
Marishiten is the name of a Buddhist goddess representing an amalgamation of several Hindu antecedents, primarily the god Marici, who is considered to have been a son of Brahma (Bonten 梵天) or one of the ten patriarchs created by the first lawgiver Manu. The deity assumed female form on adoption into Buddhism.
Since Marici means "light" or "mirage," Marici was regarded as a deification of mirages and being thus invisible or difficult to see was invoked in order to escape the notice of one's enemies. This martial aspect has been carried over in the cult of Marishiten in Japan, where she came to be revered as a tutelary deity of the warrior class. Later she was also worshipped as a goddess of wealth and prosperity among the merchant class, being counted along with Daikokuten 大黒天 and Benzaiten 弁財天 as one of a trio of "three deities" (Santen 三天) invoked for such a purpose during the Edo period.
She assumes a variety of forms and may have one, three, five or six faces and two, six, eight, ten or twelve arms; in her many-faced manifestations, one of her faces is that of a sow, and she rides either a sow or a chariot drawn by seven pigs. Images of Marishiten are common in India, but there are few examples in Japan. Shoutakuin 聖沢院 (Kyoto) has a polychrome painting said to be of Korean provenance, while Tokudaiji 徳大寺 (Tokyo) is dedicated to a large image of her dubiously attributed to Shoutoku Taishi 聖徳太子 (574-622 AD). The Nispannayogavali also describes a mandala 曼荼羅 centered on Marishiten. < end JAANUS quote >
FUKUDOKU-TEN 福徳天
FUKUTOKU-SHIN 福徳神
TENBU WHO BRING
GOOD FORTUNE & LUCK
Please visit this J-Site
to see photo of various TEN (Deva) who bring good fortune.
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