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Bishamonten

Bishamonten (毘沙門天, Bishamonten), also referred to as Vaisravana or simply Bishamon, is recognized as one of the Seven Gods of Fortune. In her role, she is revered as the goddess of war and protector of warriors.

You were a worthy foe. I shall take your head with honor, and hang it upon my wall with pride.” “There is no dishonor in falling before me. It is only natural.” “There is no honor in staining my blade with your blood.
— Bishamonten

Appearance

Bishamon resembles a woman in her early twenties and stands at an impressive height of 174 cm. Her long blonde hair cascades down to her feet, curling slightly at the ends, with curtain bangs sweeping to the right. Her striking purple eyes feature slit-like pupils, and her dark pink lips stand out against her pale complexion.

In battle, Bishamon typically wears a short gray skirt paired with a matching gray jacket that lacks buttons. She completes her look with a black hat, a black bra, and thigh-high black boots.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Bishamonten’s full appearance.


Personality

Bishamon is portrayed as exceptionally generous toward her Shinki, welcoming any wandering or troubled spirits, regardless of their usefulness, into her family. However, following a past failure to save one of her Shinki, she chooses to distance herself, presenting herself as a fierce goddess to shield them from worry. Unfortunately, this approach only deepens their insecurities and loneliness.

Her tumultuous history with Yato fuels her desire for vengeance, leading her to target everything he holds dear. This vendetta drives her to the brink of disowning Kazuma upon discovering his connection to Yato. However, after uncovering the truth behind the tragic fate of her previous Shinki, Bishamon gradually relinquishes her thirst for revenge and begins to accept Yato as an ally.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Deeply caring for her friends, she is willing to go to great lengths to protect and assist them. While she possesses a friendly demeanor, she tends to maintain a formal attitude towards others. Despite being a Goddess of Fortune with the ability to reincarnate, she values her current identity and resists the idea of being replaced.

Bishamon is relentless in her pursuits, pushing herself to her limits. This determination is evident during her confrontations with Yato, where, despite severe injuries, she refuses to retreat. Her unwavering conviction in her decisions demonstrates her resilience; once she commits to a task, she perseveres against all odds to see it through.

History

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Bishamon afflicted by her shinki’s blight.

Centuries ago, Bishamon was surrounded by a multitude of Shinki who formed the Ma (麻) clan. The immense responsibility of supporting so many vessels took a significant toll on her health. One fateful day, she fell victim to blight, prompting her guidepost to urgently search for the cause. Despite conducting multiple ablutions, none proved effective. As suspicion and tension escalated among the clan members, Bishamon’s condition worsened. The situation deteriorated further when her guidepost ordered the expulsion of a Shinki named Touma, who dared to question her methods. This conflict led to violence, with Shinki attacking one another using borderlines.

In the midst of this chaos, Kazuma rushed to Bishamon’s bedside and revealed the grim truth: the clan had betrayed her, resulting in their violent deaths. Faced with this betrayal, Bishamon asked Kazuma if he would once again serve as her Shinki after her reincarnation. He vowed that he would not allow her to die.

Eventually, her Shinki coalesced into a colossal ayakashi that sought to consume her. Unbeknownst to Bishamon, following their conversation, Kazuma sought the aid of Yato and the Stray, requesting them to eliminate his fellow clansmen in a desperate attempt to save her life. Despite her heartfelt pleas, Yato struck down the ayakashi, ensuring Bishamon’s survival.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Yato slaying Bishamon’s shinki.

In the aftermath of the Ma clan’s demise, Bishamon was engulfed in grief. Initially, she was reluctant to take in new Shinki, fearing the pain of loss and believing that Kazuma alone was sufficient. However, as time passed, her sorrow transformed into deep-seated anger towards Yato, providing her with the strength to move forward. Gradually, she began to accept new Shinki but chose to name them with the clan suffix Ha (巴), a conscious reminder of her past. Furthermore, she encouraged her new Shinki to refer to her as “Ane-sama” (姉様), a warmer and more familial title compared to the formal “Nushi-sama” (主様) used by the Ma clan.

For the centuries that followed, Bishamon harbored a deep grudge against Yato, determined to seek vengeance for her fallen Shinki.


Skills & Abilities

Bishamon is a formidable goddess, revered as one of the Gods of Fortune with a significant following in the human realm. She is not only celebrated for her role as a deity of fortune but is also recognized as a goddess of war and battles, embodying the strength and valor associated with these domains.

Known Shinki

Given Name Alternate Name Human Name Vessel Name Status Vessel Form
Kazu (兆) Chou Kazuma(兆麻) Chouki (兆器) Current A nail-shaped ear piercing with tracking abilities
As a blessed vessel: a sakura-shaped ear piercing with tracking abilities
Tou (詢) Jun/Shun Touma(詢麻) Junki/Shunki (詢器) Deceased Pot lid
Kura (囷) Kin Kuraha(囷巴) Kinki (囷器) Current Lion
Tsugu (紹) Shou Tsuguha(紹巴) Shouki (紹器) Deceased Battle attire (seeAppearance section)
Kazu (數) Suu Kazuha(數巴) Suuki (數器) Current Hand pistol
Karu (刈) Gai Karuha(刈巴) Gaiki (刈器) Current 6-chamber revovler
Aki (秋) Shuu Akiha(秋巴) Shuuki (秋器) Current Pocket knife
Yugi (靫) Sai Yugiha(靫巴) Saiki (靫器) Current Great sword
Kinu (紝) Jin Kinuha(紝巴) Jinki (紝器) Current Whip
Ai (藍) Ran Aiha(藍巴) Ranki (藍器) Current Skirt and armor
Kuga (陸) Roku Kugaha(陸巴) Rokki (陸器) Released Set of scales
Suzu (鈴) Rei/Rin Suzuha(鈴巴) Reiki/Rinki (鈴器) Deceased Unrevealed
Fumi (文) Bun/Mon Fumiha(文巴) Bunki/Monki (文器) Current Unrevealed
Ru (瑠) Ru Ruha(瑠巴) Ruki (瑠器) Current Rusted sword with a horse-head hilt
Unrevealed Sou Unrevealed Souki (宋器) Current Black overcoat
Mine (嶺) Ryou Mineha(嶺巴) Ryouki (嶺器) Current Broken hand mirror
Nana (七) Shichi Nana(七) Shikki (七器) Current Mask, cloak, chest wrappings, skirt
Unrevealed Hou Unrevealed Houki (砲器) Current Mechanical limbs

Relationships

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Kazuma and Bishamon.

Kazuma
Kazuma is the last remaining Shinki from Bishamon’s previous generation. Their long-standing companionship has fostered a deep bond, with Bishamon regarding him not just as a subordinate but as a comrade and a friend. She values his insights and often seeks his advice, placing immense trust in him.

However, when Bishamon discovers that Kazuma assisted Yato during his Purification Ceremony, she feels betrayed and declares that he has turned against her. Despite having the chance to execute him, she hesitates and ultimately chooses to exile him, clearly distressed by his perceived betrayal.

After coming to understand the circumstances surrounding his actions, Bishamon forgives Kazuma and lifts his exile. In their private moments, Kazuma affectionately calls her “Veena,” symbolizing the depth of their relationship and the time they have spent together.

Yato
Centuries ago, Yato was responsible for the deaths of nearly all of Bishamon’s Shinki. Unbeknownst to her, this act was at Kazuma’s request, aimed at saving her from the blight caused by her corrupt Shinki. This event fuels Bishamon’s enduring grudge against Yato.

Driven by her hatred, Bishamon has dedicated decades to hunting Yato, determined to end his life and eliminate anyone associated with him. Her desire for revenge often leads her to act recklessly.

However, upon learning that Kazuma was the one who asked Yato to kill the Ma Clan to alleviate her suffering, Bishamon begins to let go of her vendetta. She ultimately declares a truce with Yato. While their relationship remains rocky, characterized by sharp exchanges and physical confrontations, they also demonstrate a newfound civility and cooperation, as seen when they teamed up to saveEbisu. Yato considers Bishamon a drinking buddy, highlighting the complex nature of their relationship.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Kofoku’s full appearance.

Kofuku
Bishamon shows a degree of respect for Kofuku, indicating that they have been acquainted for some time. Although Bishamon accepts Kofuku’s intervention during her battle with Yato, she remains resolute in her desire to destroy Yato when the opportunity arises, even in the face of Kofuku’s warnings.


Trivia

  • The name Bishamonten is composed of several kanji: “help, assist” (毘,bi), “sand” (沙,sha), “gate” (門,mon), and “heaven/heavenly, sky, imperial” (天,ten).

  • Due to the revealing nature of the armor she wears while using Tsuguha, Yato often refers to her in a derogatory manner, calling her a “skank.”

  • In traditional depictions, Bishamonten is typically portrayed as a male figure, contrasting with her female representation in the series.

  • Bishamonten is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune in Japanese mythology, where she is revered as a protector of warriors and a goddess of battle.

  • In the anime, Bishamonten’s character embodies the themes of loss and redemption, reflecting her struggle to overcome the grief of her fallen Shinki and her evolving relationship with Yato.

  • Her design often features elements that symbolize her role as a warrior goddess, including armor and weaponry that highlight her martial prowess.

  • Bishamonten is known for her deep loyalty to her Shinki, showcasing her nurturing side despite her fierce exterior.