The god of fortune representing the Seven Lucky Gods, Daikokuten. With a joyful smile, he wields a mallet to bestow abundance and good fortune upon you. Originally rooted in Hinduism as the supreme god Mahakala (an epithet of the god Shiva), Daikokuten was incorporated into Buddhism as a deity belonging to the heavenly realm, associated with abundant harvests, and in Shinto, he became integrated with the guardian deity of the kitchen, Ookuninushi-no-Mikoto.
The rice bales at the feet of "Hōjō Daikokuten" (Daikokuten of Prosperity) bring great blessings to your home, and the wish-fulfilling jewel adorned at the top of the rice bale symbolizes the fulfillment of desires. The refined tea antique coloring complements any room. Embrace the great blessings and fortune-bringing power brought by the palm-sized Daikokuten.
Since ancient times, Daikokuten has been revered as a god of fortune bringing prosperity. Due to the various blessings associated with wealth, such as abundant harvests, thriving businesses, and good fortune in finances, he has been fervently worshiped among merchants and craftsmen. There is also a tradition of enshrining Daikokuten alongside Ebisu, who is similarly regarded as a god of fortune and wealth. The history dates back to the Muromachi period, as described in the tale collection "Chiri-zuka Monogatari," stating, "They carve wooden statues or paint images of Ebisu and Daikoku, praying for wealth. The world unanimously places these in every household, and there is no house that does not enshrine them," a tradition that has endured for over 450 years as a refuge for the common people.
Daikokuten's roots trace back to the supreme god Mahakala in Hinduism (an epithet of Shiva). The god who is said to govern creation and destruction as a war deity and initiated the dance became a deity associated with abundant harvests when incorporated into Buddhism. In Shinto, Daikokuten fused with Ookuninushi-no-Mikoto, becoming a kitchen deity ensuring a lifetime of prosperity and financial fortune, symbolized by the thick pillar supporting the entire house known as the "Daikoku-bashira," protecting the home and family from all elements of the world—heaven, earth, and humanity.
Thus, Daikokuten, with a rich history blending various elements, is a versatile god of fortune, possessing the power to bring financial fortune, the blessings of food, prosperity in business, protection of the home from conflicts, and the joy of the family through dance. For your own happiness and that of your family, it is highly recommended to enshrine Daikokuten.