Inori no Mori祈りの杜working title

Group of figures

Shichifukujin

七福神しちふくじん

A list page presenting seven deities side by side: Ebisu-shin, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Hoteison, Fukurokuju and Jurōjin.

This introduction is based on materials published by shrines, temples, and schools, starting with Shōhōin. 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

Gods of fortune gathered from different lands

The Seven Gods of Good Fortune are a devotion combining deities, buddhas and figures originating in India, China and Japan. Kinds of good fortune connected with people's lives, such as trade, food, the performing arts and long life, have been entrusted to them. They are not a group in which all seven appear together in one sutra from the beginning.

Source: 天台宗

The names and roles of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune

This introduces the seven deities Ebisu-shin, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Hoteison, Fukurokuju and Jurōjin. The grouping follows Shōhōin's table of contents for the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. From each deity's name and image, you can go on to its individual introduction and prayer screen.

Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院

The virtues entrusted to each of the seven

A Tendai school sermon explains the virtues entrusted to the Seven Gods of Good Fortune as Ebisu's honesty, Daikokuten's wealth, Bishamonten's dignity, Benzaiten's charm, Hotei's broad-mindedness, Fukurokuju's standing in others' trust and Jurōjin's long life. Through the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, this introduction turns attention not only to abundance but also to character and ways of living. This is one view presented in that school's sermon. The specific wishes and histories connected with each deity can be read, together with their sources, at the places where each is worshipped.

Source: 天台宗

Related kami and buddhas

Sources (in Japanese)