The Syncretism of Water Goddesses

This presentation, by visiting language specialist Akiko Tajima, examines the dynamic process of syncretism through which the Indian goddess Sarasvati was transmitted to Japan via China as Benzaiten, eventually merging with the indigenous Shinto deity Ichikishimahime. Using “water” as the central medium, this talk explores how these goddesses became collectively venerated in Japan as deities of rivers, dragons, and the source of all vitality.