Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Daikoku

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French version

Daikoku

大国大国天
alternative words: Daikokuten, Daikoku ten, Daikukusama, Daikoku sama
keywords: god
related topics: Heian period , Muromachi period , Saicho , Okuninushi , 7 fortune gods
related web sites: http://www.butsuzou.com/daikoku1.html
explanation: Originated from an Indian god of obscurity and wars, Mahakala or Mahakara, he was introduced to Japan by the priest Saicho. During Heian period, he transformed to a god of kitchen and also became synonymous to "priest's wife". During Muromachi period, he was confounded with the shinto god, Okuninushi due to the same Onyomi reading and has become a god of wealth among 7 fortune gods. He is represented by a fat man carrying a huge bag and a miracle wooden hammer (Uchidenokozuchi).