#25 仙台市にある七福神どこにあるかご存知ですか？

2014.10.28 旅 - Traveling

Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage in Sendai　(仙台の七福神の巡り)

Last month I introduced Sendai’s 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. If you missed it, you can read it here (http://sendai-guide.com/interview/256). Today I want to introduce another pilgrimage popular all over Japan: the Shichifukujin Meguri or Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage. The Seven Lucky Gods are seven deities which are said to bring wealth, riches, and success to all those that send a prayer their way. Their images are most popular around the New Year because that is when they come on their treasure ship to the ports around the world, delivering infinite riches. If you can’t wait, you can track down the deities right here in Sendai on your next day off work or school.

Your first stop to a successful pilgrimage should be the official website: http://www.sendai-shichifukujin.com/

It has information about the deities, along with a map, addresses, and other info. The website is only Japanese and there are some important details you need to know which are not even written. Allow me to provide an overview in three subsections so you know what to expect on your adventure:

Purpose: The goal of the pilgrimage is to visit the seven lucky gods to ask for wealth for yourself, business, or those around you and in your life. An added bonus is seeing some great side streets, temples, and places you may have never been to as you explore the city.

Who and Where: The Shichifukujin are seven exceptional deities selected from Indian, Chinese, and Japanese history, religion, and folklore. Here are their names and associations:

1 Ebisu God of fishing, commerce. Origin: Japan

2 Daikokuten God of agriculture. Origin: India

3 Benzaiten Goddess of music, art. Only female of the seven. Origin: India

4 Bishamonten Defender of the nation, warrior. Origin: India

5 Hotei This ‘’Laughing Buddha’’ is the god of happiness. Origin: China

6 Fukurokuju God of longevity and fertility. Origin: China

7 Jurojin God of wisdom and longevity. Said to be the manifestation of Fukurokuju

All but one deity are enshrined in temples scattered throughout the city. For example, there are temples in the northern Kitayama area, one behind JR Sendai Station, and another close to Yagiyama Zoo. Ebisu, the only Japanese god, is in a shrine on the rooftop of the downtown Fujisaki Department Store (it is the easiest accessed of the seven).

The temples have signs posted stating they are associated with the lucky deities, but there are separate Buddhist deities in the temples too. The lucky gods are only a small part of each temple. From the outside, the temples look nice, but nothing distinguishes them from others. You’ll have to ask to enter the main hall to see the area a lucky god statue is worshipped (*A simple ‘Hondo kudasai’’ should express your desire). It will be to the side of the main prayer area in most cases.

Final Tips and Thoughts

Seeing new parts of the city while praying for wealth is really fun, especially considering the lengthy activity is very inexpensive. You can pick up a stamp rally sheet at the temples of the pilgrimage for 300 yen. Look for the stamp next to the lucky god and stamp your pamphlet. You should put a small donation such as a five yen coin in the offering box at each temple as well. While you are praying, there is a different special phrase to be said seven times at each location. The phrases are written on the pamphlet. Again, see the website for more information. Cheers to your financial success.

記事　Justin Velgus

Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage in Sendai　(仙台の七福神の巡り)

仙台の七福神めぐり。全部行ったことある人どのくらいでしょうね