The Japanese religion is one of the oldest and most fascinating in the world. It is a mix of Shintoism, Buddhism, and other beliefs. While many of the gods in the Japanese pantheon are unique to the culture, there are also some that have Hindu origins. This is particularly true of the “Seven Gods of Fortune”, four of which are based on Hindu deities.

The first of these gods is Benzaitensama, who is based on the Hindu goddess Sarasvati. She is the goddess of knowledge, music, and art, and is often depicted as a beautiful woman playing a biwa, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. Benzaitensama is also associated with the moon, water, and serpents.

The second god is Bishamon, who is based on the Hindu god Vaiśravaṇa or Kubera. He is the god of war and is usually depicted as a fierce warrior, armed with a spear and a sword. He is also associated with the north and is said to protect the people from evil.

The third god is Daikokuten, who is based on the Hindu god Mahākāla or Shiva. He is the god of wealth and is usually depicted as a fat, jolly man carrying a bag of rice. He is also associated with the south and is said to bring good luck and prosperity.

The fourth god is Kichijōten, who is based on the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. She is the goddess of beauty and love, and is usually depicted as a beautiful woman with a lotus flower in her hand. She is also associated with the west and is said to bring happiness and joy.

These four gods are just a few of the many Hindu-influenced gods in the Japanese pantheon. Other gods, such as Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susanoo, the god of storms, also have Hindu origins.

The influence of Hinduism on Japanese religion is not limited to the gods. Many of the rituals and practices of the Japanese religion are also based on Hindu beliefs. For example, the practice of offering food and drink to the gods is based on the Hindu practice of offering food and drink to the gods.

The influence of Hinduism on Japanese religion is also evident in the architecture of Japanese temples. Many of the temples are built in the style of Hindu temples, with their curved roofs and intricate carvings.

The influence of Hinduism on Japanese religion is also evident in the art of the culture. Many of the paintings and sculptures depict Hindu gods and goddesses, and the use of Hindu symbols is also common.

The influence of Hinduism on Japanese religion is also evident in the language. Many of the words used in the Japanese language are derived from Sanskrit, the language of Hinduism.

The influence of Hinduism on Japanese religion is clear. From the gods to the rituals and practices, Hinduism has had a profound influence on the culture and religion of Japan.