Similarities between Indian / Hindu Mythology and Japanese Mythology

There is no way you can argue on the fact that there is some certain similarity between every customs and something is there that will always be similar between two cultures of different countries – such as the oneness that is promoted by preachers of all religions across the world. In this article, we are going to read about similarities between Indian / Hindu Mythology and Japanese Mythology. The Japanese ideology and Sanskrit are hugely influenced by Hindu deities who have stepped their feet on the ground of Japanese mythologies. Here is a list of both Hindu and Japanese Gods who have similar abilities and functions in both ideologies.

Yama and Enma

Enma of Japanese mythology is an expression of fury and is believed to be the head of hell and judge of crimes, just like Yama or Yamaraj of Indian mythology.

Saraswati and Benzaiten

Benzaiten is worshipped as one of the 7 lucky Gods also known as Shichi Fukujin. Both Benzaiten and Saraswati of Japanese and Indian mythology respectively are regarded as the goddess of eloquence, intellect, speech, knowledge, and music.

Mahakala and Daikoku

Daikoku is also a Shichi Fukujin. Both of them are the Gods of darkness. Daikoku is often manifested as a female deity named Daikokunyo or Daikokutennyo which is the form of Mahakala in Hindu Mythology.

Indra and Taishakuten

Taishakuten and Indra are similar gods of both the mythologies riding the elephant. But there are more temples of Taishakuten in Japan than that of Indra in India as the worship of Indra-dev has declined over the years in India.

Apsara and Tennin

Apsara of Hindu mythology is a kind of female spirit of waters and clouds. There are two kinds of apsaras – daivika or divine and laukika or worldly. Some of the most known apsaras of Hindu mythology are Urvasi, Menaka, Rambha, and Tilottama. Tennis of Japanese mythology is a divine type of spiritual being that is similar to the nymphs, angels, and fairies.

Ganesha and Kangiten

Kangiten of Japanese Mythology is an elephant-headed God, just like Ganesha of Indian mythology, with male and female pairs in an embrace. Kangen is worshipped as the god of bliss and remover of difficulties, but when propitiate he provides success, health, and prosperity, just like Ganesha.

Vaisravana/Kubera and Bishamonten

Bishamonten is also one of the 7 lucky Gods or Shichi Fukujin. They are worshipped as deities or Gods of fortunate guards, warriors and they also punish the wrongdoers or criminals.

Garuda and Karura

In Hinduism Garuda is a divine bird-like creature. Similarly, in Shinto, the Karura is an enormous fire-breathing creature, that feeds on dragons and serpents. Just like Garuda is the enemy of Nagas in Hindu Mythology.

Lakshmi and Kichijoten

Kichijoten is often considered as one of the Shichi Fukujin in the place of Fukurokuju or Jurojin. Both of these goddesses are worshipped as providers of fertility, beauty, and happiness.

Narayana and Naraenten

Just like in Hindu or Indian Mythology Narayana is often considered as the God of mysterious strength, Naraenten according to Japanese belief is the possessor of unusual physical strength. He is also named Bichuten.

There are several other gods in both the mythologies whose appearance, ride, and power are similar such as Kumara (Skanda) and Kumaraten, Surya deva and Nitten, Varuna and Suiten, Vasudeva and Futen, Chandra and Gat-ten, and Agni and Katen.