Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance daily demon vol. 39 – Bishamonten

With the release of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance drawing ever closer, another Daily Demon video has been released by Atlus to showcase one of the demons that will be in the game. Today’s demon is Bishamonten

Bishamonten first appeared in the series in Megami Tensei II, and has appeared in both the Megami Tensei and Persona series repeatedly over the years. In Shin Megami Tensei V, Bishamonten is a Kishin race demon, and can be fought as a punishing foe in the northern Taito area of Da’at, and as part of a sidequest at Fairy Village. The Megami Tensei wiki has some further details about his origins, below:

Bishamonten, also known as Tamonten, is one of four figures placed at the corners of the main altar in a Buddhist temple. These figures correspond to the four cardinal directions, with Bishamonten representing the north. Bishamonten originated as a deity of wealth Kubera in Hindu mythology and came to Japan with many attributes: guardian of the realm of the north, guardian of Buddhist law, god of victory in war and god of wealth and good fortune. Bishamonten is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology.

Outside Japan, his name is Vaiśravaṇa, and in Tibet he is one of the eight main dharmapalas, alongside Mahakala, Yama Yamantaka, Hayagriva, Palden Lhamo, Tshangspa Dkaro and Begste. In East Asian regions, his statues usually have one hand lifting up a miniature pagoda which is claimed to contain Śarīra in some beliefs. Another hand would carry either a Dhvaja, umbrella or polearm.

Check out the trailer below:

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance launches for Switch on June 14, 2024.