By Indsamachar bureau, 21 September : Japanese avatar of Ganesha is known as Kangiten. Also called the Deva (God) of Bliss, Deva of Joy, Deva of Pleasure.
In Japan, Kangiten is worshipped as a central object of devotion. Kangiten symbolizes conjugal affection, and is thus prayed to by couples hoping for children. In Japan, Kankiten is typically depicted with an elephant’s head and human body, or as a pair of two-armed, elephant-headed deities in embrace.
Kangiten inherits many names and characteristics from the Hindu god Ganesha. He is known as Bināyaka-ten, derived from the words Vinayaka; Gaṇabachi or Gaṇapati Kangiten is often represented as an elephant-headed male and female pair, standing embracing each other in sexual union. The female wears a crown, a patched monk’s robe and a red surplice, while the male wears a black cloth over his shoulder. He has a long trunk and tusks, while she has short ones. He is reddish-brown in colour and she is white. She usually rests her feet on his, while he rests his head on her shoulder.
While Kangiten is worshiped throughout Japan, Hōzan-ji on the summit of Mount Ikoma is his most important and active temple. Though the temple is believed to have been founded in the sixth century, it came in the limelight in the 17th century.
Compiled by: Dr Sandeep Sadanand Chaugule
You can follow the author on Twitter @sandipchaugulle
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