BENZAITEN - Goddess of Art and Music
Origin India. Sanskrit Sarasvati

Member of the TENBU
One of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods



(L) 8-armed Benzaiten, reportedly made by Kobo Daishi, Hase Dera
(M) Wooden statue of Benzaiten at Hase Dera, Kamakura
(R) Stone statue at private home in Kamakura

Benzaiten Mantra
 

Female. The sea goddess Benzaiten is the sole artist and female among the Seven Lucky Deities of Japan. She is the patroness of music, the fine arts (dancing, acting, visual), and good fortune in general, and is often shown carrying a biwa (Japanese mandolin) or playing a lute. Her shrines are almost invariably in the neighborhood of water -- the sea, a river, or a pond. She is often represented as a beautiful woman with the power to assume the form of a serpent, or shown seated on a dragon or serpent and playing a lute. In fact, the snake is almost always associated with Benten (a.k.a. Sarasvati,) who is said to have been an Indian Angel who now represents the artistic muses (eloquence, music, art, literature, wisdom and water). Such artistic learning and wisdom often bring prosperity, hence her inclusion in the group. She also has a jewel that grants desires. Some say it is a jade, while others say it is a pearl.

On days of importance to the Serpent, one can find many festivals at the numerous Japanese shrines and temples dedicated to Benzaiten (Benten), in which votive pictures with serpents drawn on them are offered. It is also said that putting a cast-off snake skin in your purse/wallet will bring you wealth and property.

ANIMAL ASSOCIATIONS
Serpent (snake) or sea dragon

Sanskrit Seed Sound - SO

Wooden Statue, Meiji Era
Found statue inside store near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura

Closeup of prior photo
 Benzaiten wooden statues inside Kamakura store

Click Here for paintings of the sea goddess

Benzaiten's 16 children, or minor gods serving her
At Hase Dera in Kamakura, a grotto with 16 life-size statues can be seen.
Hase is a wonderful temple, and a visit is highly recommended.

If your computer can display Japanese, please visit below page to
see images of the 16 children of Benzaiten at Daikakuji Temple.

 Benzaiten's 16 Children