Daikokuten
Japanese Pantheon
One of the Seven Lucky Gods. God of wealth, farmers, and the kitchen. Derived from the Hindu deity Mahakala but merged with the native kami Okuninushi in Japan.
Daikokuten entered Japan through Buddhist transmission as **Mahakala**, a fierce protector deity. Over centuries, his character softened and merged with the Shinto kami **Okuninushi**, the earthly ruler of Izumo. This syncretism transformed him into a benevolent god of wealth and abundance.
**Daikokuten** is a smiling, portly deity who brings wealth, good harvests, and prosperity to households. As one of the **Shichifukujin** (Seven Lucky Gods), he is often paired with Ebisu—the two are frequently depicted together as a duo bringing commercial success and domestic prosperity.
Read the full Daikokuten entry