Kisshōten: The Japanese Avatar Of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi

Revered deities of Hindus have been integrated into Japanese religious culture. Some of these deities have also been incorporated into the "Seven Gods of Fortune." According to Japanese mythology, the Seven Lucky Gods or Seven Gods of Fortune bring good fortune. Except for one deity, the rest have originated from religions popular in Japan. For instance, Benzaiten is the Japanese version of the Hindu goddess Saraswati, which reached Japan via China through Taoism. Similarly, Kisshōten, a Fukujin goddess also known as Kichijōten or Kisshoutennyo, was adapted through Buddhism from the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. Kisshōten means heavenly good luck and fortunes.
Unlike Benzaiten, Kisshōten isn't a permanent feature among the "Seven Gods of Fortune". Instead, she replaces Fukurokuju at times. The reason for this is that the characteristics of Fukurokuju and Jurōjin (one of the Gods of Fortune) are similar as they both date back to the Chinese Taoist deity Nánjílǎorén. This is why Fukurokuju's position is sometimes granted instead to the goddess Kichijōten.

Goddess Kisshōten, who originated from the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, has been worshipped in Japan since the 8th century. Just like Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility, and prosperity, Kisshōten is the goddess of good fortune, fertility, abundance, and happiness. Kisshōten is often depicted with a Nyoihōju gem in her hand. When Kisshōten is counted among the "Seven Gods of Fortune", and Daikoku (one of the Seven Gods of Fortune) is regarded in feminine form, all three of the Hindu Tridevi goddesses are represented in the Fukujin, with Daikoku representing the goddess Parvati and Benzaiten representing the goddess Saraswati.