Vaiśravaṇa

Bishamon (Japanese毗 沙门, also: Bishamonten (毗 沙门 天); Sanskrit: Vaisravana; Tib: rNam thos sras, also known as " Kubera " or Jambhala ) is a Buddhist essence and one of the four kings heaven, here in the North. In the general Japanese religion he is one of the Seven Lucky Gods ( Shichi Fukujin ).

Function

Bishamon is primarily the god of war and as such also the patron saint of the warrior. He also distributed the wealth and is the protector of those who worship the " Lotus of the righteous law", ie belong to Buddhism. He protects people from demons and disease, and the Buddhist temple from destruction. Among the four cardinal kings he is the guardian of the North.

Attributes

He is often depicted in full armor and a Hoko, a Japanese three-pronged halberd in one hand and a pagoda in the other hand; often stands as a powerful ruler on thrown to the ground demons. Sometimes he is also represented in a fire ring, like a halo.

Tradition

Bishamon to have been successfully invoked in the year 587, during a campaign against the anti- Buddhist clans in Japan by the Prince Shōtoku.

Other religions

Bishamon corresponds to the Vedic Vaisravana where in the epic Mahabharata, he is changing from a dark creature in Kumbhīra and is revered as a protector.