Yuyadani Benzaitensha Gate is a photograph by Inge Johnsson which was uploaded on December 10th, 2023.
Yuyadani Benzaitensha Gate
Benzaiten is modern Japan's preeminent water goddess, one worshipped independently and as one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods of wealth and good fortune.... more
Title
Yuyadani Benzaitensha Gate
Artist
Inge Johnsson
Medium
Photograph - Digital Capture, Watermark Not On Actual Artwork
Description
Benzaiten is modern Japan's preeminent water goddess, one worshipped independently and as one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods of wealth and good fortune. Her temples and shrines are, befittingly, nearly always in the neighborhood of water -- the sea, a river, a lake, or a pond.
Mount Benten constitutes the western edge of the Kōya compound. At its base is the Great Gate (Daimon 大門), where pilgrims typically started their religious journey into the sprawling compound. More importantly, Mt. Benten is revered as a sacred water source for the mountain complex. The headwaters of the Odogawa 御殿川 river flow from Mt. Benten in an easterly direction (tōryū 東流, lit. eastern flow), prompting Kūkai to declare the area the lair of the dragon (see citation below). If we recall, the dragon is the messenger and avatar of Benzaiten. Dragons are also considered lords of the water and guardians of the east. Tōryū 東流 may also be written 東龍 (the latter means "East Dragon"). The effigies of Benzaiten venerated at the seven Kōya sites are all dated to the 17th century or earlier.
Uploaded
December 10th, 2023