Deva (ten) or guardian deity
Happi Benzaiten
八臂辨財天
At Shōhōin, Happi Benzaiten is introduced as a name and image related to Benzaiten. In this entry, its eight-armed form bearing many weapons is characteristic. Benzaiten has a character connected with water, music and wisdom, and a character as a deva who protects the Buddha's teaching.
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 many forms of Benzaiten: Happi Benzaiten
At Shōhōin, Happi Benzaiten is introduced as a name and image related to Benzaiten. In this entry, its eight-armed form bearing many weapons is characteristic. Benzaiten has a character connected with water, music and wisdom, and a character as a deva who protects the Buddha's teaching.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・竹生島 宝厳寺
Background in the performing arts, good fortune and protecting the Buddha's teaching
Faith in Benzaiten spread to wishes for music and the performing arts, for wisdom, and for abundance in life. At Hōgon-ji on Chikubushima, too, people pray for improvement in the performing arts and for prosperous business. Forms with different attributes and numbers of arms also express Benzaiten's various works.
Source: 竹生島 宝厳寺・飛不動尊 正宝院
Mantra (in Japanese, as written in the sources)
おん そらそばていえい そわか。
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Shown as written in the Japanese sources. This site does not set how or how many times to recite it.
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：八臂辨財天」（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：七福神」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 竹生島 宝厳寺「宝厳寺探訪：本堂・弁才天」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 竹生島 宝厳寺「年間行事」（2026-10-15 確認）