Kyoto Shrine: Demachi Myo-on Bezaiten

I was wandering home late last night and stopped in at one of my favorite little shrines in Kyoto. This one is called, Myo-on Bezaiten and is located on the West side of the Kamo River in the Demachiyanagi neighborhood. Benzaiten is the Japanese name for the Hindu goddess, Saraswati. She has become a part of both Japanese Buddhism and the native Shinto religion. In Japan, she is worshiped as a bestower of monetary fortune. Properly, she is the “goddess of everything that flows: water, words, speech, eloquence, music and by extension, knowledge, a goddess of eloquence!” (Thanks Wikipedia for the eloquent passage!)

I prayed at the shrine, told Benzaiten my name and address and expressed my gratitude for all that I have. And then, took some photos.