Gigeiten

Gigeiten (Japanese: 伎芸天) is a minor goddess (deva, ten-nyo) associated with the arts in Japanese Buddhism. In addition to the arts, she is also believed to govern fortune and talent.

Gigeiten is also known by several other names, including Gigei Tennyo (ぎげいてんにょ), Daijizaitennyo (大自在天女), and Makeishura Chōshō Tennyo (摩醯首羅頂生天女, lit. "heavenly maiden born from the crown of Maheshvara"). The latter two names are patronymic in origin, as she is said to have been born from the hair of the deity Daijizaiten (Maheshvara in Sanskrit) while he was playing a musical instrument.

Her original Sanskrit name is unknown. Among the various celestial maidens (tennyo), Gigeiten is said to be the most skilled in music.

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