7 Hindu deities and their representations in Japanese culture

Benzaiten, derived from the Hindu goddess Saraswati, is revered as one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi Fukujin) in Japan. Both goddesses are associated with eloquence, intellect, speech, knowledge, and music. In an article with TOI, Devdutt Pattanaik noted that Benzaiten is not only worshipped for knowledge and music but also for wealth, prosperity, fertility, and beauty, similar to Lakshmi. She is also visualised with multiple arms holding swords, like Durga, and was worshipped by the Samurai as a warrior.