Deva (ten) or guardian deity
Shinda Daikoku
信陀大黒
Shinda Daikoku is listed as one of the Six Daikoku (Roku Daikoku). The Six Daikoku are six forms that Shōhōin introduces as the family and attendants of Daikokuten. In faith in Daikokuten, the protection of Buddhism overlaps with prayers for food and good fortune.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
The name and role of Shinda Daikoku
Shinda Daikoku is listed as one of the Six Daikoku. The figure is said to be the lord of giving, and is described as also being called 信教大黒 or 真陀大黒.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Tracing the form and traditions
The form is said to be that of a child whose hair has not yet been tied up, forming a fist mudra with the right hand and holding a wish-fulfilling jewel (nyoi hōju) in the left.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Faith in Daikokuten and its many developments
The Six Daikoku are six forms introduced as the family and attendants of Daikokuten. In Daikokuten, the character of a stern deity who protects Buddhism overlaps with faith related to food and good fortune. His form changed over time and from region to region, and in Japan he also came to be merged with Ōkuninushi no Mikoto.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
From guardian of the kitchen to many forms
Shōhōin notes that Daikokuten was enshrined in dining halls and kitchens, and that as the faith spread, forms such as the Three-faced Daikoku (Sanmen Daikoku), the Six Daikoku, and the Married Couple Daikoku (Meoto Daikoku) arose. The Daikokuten of the Seven Lucky Gods, holding rice bales and a small mallet, is not his only form. The images of each of the Six Daikoku show this wide range of development.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：信陀大黒」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：六大黒」（2026-10-14 確認）