Kangiten inherited many names and characteristics from the Hindu god Ganesha (with whom he shares a common origin), though the name 'Ganesha' (IAST: Ganeśa) itself was never applied to the Buddhist deity, who was … 展开

A number of texts relate different stories regarding the origin and meaning of the Dual Vinayaka image.
According to the story … 展开

Single and dual forms
Shōten (Kangiten) is mainly depicted either alone or, more commonly, embracing his consort. When shown by himself, he is represented with either two, four, six, eight or even twelve arms, holding various attributes … 展开

Shōten is worshiped in many Shingon and Tendai Buddhist temples throughout Japan. The following are two of the most important places of worship dedicated to the deity in Japan, … 展开

As demon and deity
Several theories have been advanced regarding the origins of the Hindu deity Ganesha, who first undisputably appears in the historical record in … 展开

Kangiten is commonly identified as an "assimilation / emanation body" (等流身, tōrujin; Sanskrit: niṣyanda-kāya ) of Vairochana, with the … 展开

Bīja and mantra
The bīja or seed syllable used to represent Shōten is gaḥ (Devanagari: गः; Japanese pronunciation: gyaku), written in Siddham script. … 展开