AI art

There is a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten right in the middle of Ueno Park. It’s in the center of the lake there and it’s a special because here she is seen as  Happi-Benzaiten which literally means “Eight Elbows Benzaiten”. This is because she has eight arms which hold different weapons for fighting off evil and she’s housed in an eight-sided building.  Benzaiten is a goddess of all things that flow which includes words, wisdom, wealth, and art! I bought all the charms and prayed for all the artists on Farcaster and lit incense!

Sadly, the original temple was destroyed in a bombing raid in World War 2. However, the statue of Benzaiten survived the bombing and is now enshrined in the new Main Hall which is a reconstruction of the 17th century temple and built in 1958.

What a fascinating blend of history, culture, and art!