Daruma Doll

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented a Daruma doll by Reverend Seishi Hirose, chief priest of Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple, during his Japan visit. The Daruma, symbolising perseverance and good luck, traces its origins to Bodhidharma, the 5th-century Indian monk from Kanchipuram.

Description:

• Type: Hollow, round, papier-mâché Japanese doll.
• Origin: Modeled on Bodhidharma (Indian monk, founder of Zen Buddhism).
• Popular Symbolism: Good luck, perseverance, resilience (Nanakorobi Yaoki → “Fall 7 times, rise 8”).
• Commercial Use: Talisman for success, gifted as encouragement.

History:

• Edo Period (17th–18th century): Developed in Takasaki (Gunma Prefecture) → Shōrinzan Daruma Temple.
• Initially New Year charms; later peasants made papier-mâché self-righting dolls using temple molds.
• By the 19th century → fused with tumbler dolls (Okiagari-koboshi).
• Annual Daruma Festival (Daruma-ichi): Held in Takasaki → attracts ~4 lakh visitors.
• Production: Takasaki makes ~80% of Japan’s Daruma dolls.

Physical Features & Symbolism:

1. Shape:
   1. Round, weighted at bottom → always stands up (resilience).
   1. Linked to Bodhidharma’s 9-year meditation → limbless form.
2. Color:
   1. Traditional = Red (linked to Buddhist priest robes + protection from smallpox).
   1. Now: Also Gold (wealth), Black, White, Blue, Yellow → called Goshiki Daruma (5-colored set).
3. Eyes:
   1. Sold blank.
   1. Left eye painted when making a wish/goal.
   1. Right eye filled when goal is achieved → phrase: “Both Eyes Open”.
   1. Used by politicians during elections.
4. Facial Hair:
   1. Eyebrows shaped like crane + cheek hair like tortoise shell → longevity (Crane 1,000 yrs, Tortoise 10,000 yrs).

Link to India:

• Bodhidharma (South Indian origin, 5th–6th century CE).
• Brought Zen (Chan) Buddhism to China → Japan.
• 2025: PM Modi receives a sacred Daruma doll in Japan as a symbol of India–Japan cultural link.

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