Bishamon

Bishamon

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Bishamonten; Tamonten

ORIGIN:

Japan

Bishamon, spirit of benevolent authority, enforces justice, punishing criminals and malefactors. He protects people and their pos sessions. Bishamon is a Japanese manifestation of the Buddhist Dharma Protector, Vaishravana, who in turn may be an avatar of the Hindu Kubera, Lord of Wealth. Although theoretically, the three spirits may be identified as one, each manifests and behaves differently and has different concerns.

Bishamon is included among the Shiki Fujukin, the Seven Spirits of Good Luck.

FAVOURED PEOPLE:

Soldiers, warriors, physicians (warriors against illness)

ICONOGRAPHY:

Bishamon usually appears in the guise of a samurai.

ATTRIBUTE:

Bishamon carries a small pagoda symbolizing the divine treasure house he guards (and whose treasure he distributes as he sees fit).

Consort: Kishijoten, who may or may not also be his sister

SEE ALSO:

Eight Dharma Protectors; Kishijoten; Shiki Fujukin

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.