Sanskrit and Hindu Deities in Japan: India’s Cultural Roots in the Land of the Rising Sun

New Delhi, Aug 30, 2025 When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan at the invitation of his counterpart Shigeru Ishiba for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, discussions spanned defence, trade, innovation, and regional security. But beyond economics and diplomacy, the visit also highlighted something deeply profound—the centuries-old cultural bond between India and Japan. Few people realize the extent of India’s imprint on Japanese culture. From language and rituals to deities and spiritual practices, traces of Sanskrit and Hinduism continue to thrive in Japan, often more vibrantly than in India itself. Hindu Deities in Japanese Life Across Japan, Hindu deities enjoy active worship. Saraswati alone has hundreds of shrines, where she is not only depicted with a veena but also revered as a goddess of water—echoing her origins as the river Saraswati. Lakshmi, Indra, Brahma, Ganesha, Garuda, Vayu, and Varuna also occupy prominent spaces in temples and homes. Krishna statues, Yama figures, and even forgotten deities find a living presence here. Former Japanese Ambassador Yasukuni Enoki once remarked, “More than 80% of Japanese gods are originally Indian gods.” He himself lives in Kichijoji, which literally means “Lakshmi Town.” Clearly, India’s sacred traditions are woven into the everyday life of Japanese people—sometimes without them even realizing it. Sanskrit and the Siddham Script While Sanskrit has faded from daily life in India, Japan has preserved its sixth-century Siddham script. Beejaksharas, or “seed syllables” invoking divine presence, are still used in prayers and inscribed on wooden boards, homes, and even tombs. Though most Japanese cannot read Siddham, they revere its symbols as sacred. Interestingly, Japan’s “Kana” script was designed to replicate Sanskrit sounds, enabling priests to chant sutras accurately even without knowing the language. To this day, Sanskrit chants echo in Buddhist temples across Japan. Homa, Goma, and Living Traditions What India calls havan or homa survives in Japan as goma. Performed in more than 1,200 temples daily, these fire rituals are accompanied by Sanskrit recitations. This continuity of practice shows how Japan has safeguarded elements of Indian spiritual heritage that India itself has often neglected. Language and Cultural Influences Everyday Japanese words also trace their roots to Sanskrit. “Osewa” (service) comes from “sewa.” “Dana-san” for an employer stems from “dana.” Even brands like Sujata preserve Buddhist stories from India. Zen Buddhism, derived from Indian dhyana, remains a cornerstone of Japanese discipline and philosophy. The revered Bodhidharma—“Daruma” in Japan—was an Indian prince from Kanchipuram, whose dolls still symbolize good fortune. India and Japan: Shared Spirit, Shared Future Japan demonstrates that preserving culture and embracing modernity can go hand in hand. Technology and transcendence coexist beautifully in its society, fueled by deep spiritual grounding. For India, this is a reminder of the power of its own heritage. As PM Modi’s visit underscores, India and Japan are bound not only by strategy and trade but also by a profound cultural kinship. In Japan, India finds a mirror of its ancient wisdom—alive, thriving, and deeply respected. India & Japan: A Bond Beyond Borders From the echoes of Sanskrit chants in Japanese temples to the shrines dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the connection between India and Japan runs deep and timeless. PM Modi’s visit to Japan is not just about diplomacy - it’s a reminder of centuries of cultural harmony, shared values, and spiritual friendship. Buddhism, art, and philosophy have flowed across borders, weaving a fabric of trust and respect that stands strong even today. This relationship is more than politics; it’s a celebration of our shared heritage and a promise of a brighter future together.