The Tibetan legend that describes the origin of the Jambhala Wealth Gods is very interesting. It is said that a revered high Lama, Lama Atisha, was walking alone when he found a man starving and near death. After looking around and unable to find food for the old man Lama Atisha cut flesh from his own body and offered it to the starving man. The man refused to eat the Lama's flesh.
Being depressed and not knowing how else to help the man nearing death the Lama sat down next to him. At that point there was a blinding bright white light and before Atisha appeared the Buddha of Compassion, the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshwor Chenrezig. The Buddha told Lama Atisha that he was going to manifest himself as the God of Wealth, Jambhala, and assure that those in poverty would suffer no longer.
Other legends have also been published on the origin of the Five Jambhala Wealth Gods but the one just given is the one most quoted. The five Jambhala (also known by the name Dzambhala) are all very popular wealth Gods and each has their own uniqueness.
The White Jambhala is said to be the manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (he who listens to the sounds around him and embodies compassion). He sits on a snow lion and holds a mongoose in his left hand that spits out precious gems for the poor and needy to collect. He is said to be able to stop suffering and to dispel bad Karma. Chanting his Mantra can also bring wealth, avert disaster, and give you good health.
The White Jambhala is most effective for those with a Chinese Astrological lucky element of metal and animal sign of a monkey or chicken. It is believed pouring water on the head of his statue will allow for greater blessings. The Mantra that is chanted for this God is "Om Padma Trotha Arya Zambhala Siddhaya Hum Phat".
The Yellow Jambhala is considered the most popular and powerful of the Wealth Gods. It is thought to be the manifestation of Buddha Ratnasambhava, the Buddha of Giving. It is said you must practice Buddhism using correct procedures to gain the most powerful blessings from him. He is usually shown sitting on a lotus, sun and moon disk. As with all of the Jambhala, he holds a mongoose in his left hand which produces jewels to give to the needy.
The Yellow Jambhala is thought to be the most effective for those with a Chinese Astrological lucky element of earth and having the animal sign of a cow, dragon, sheep, or dog. Just as with the White Jambhala, pouring water on the head of his statue is considered good for increasing the blessing you receive. You will receive not only wealth but wisdom and intelligence if worshipped properly. The Mantra you would recite is "Om Zambala Zalendhraye Soha".
The Black Jambhala is also known as the Hindu God of Wealth, Kubera. He will fulfill your wishes, make you happy, and give you wealth and prosperity if worshiped properly. He is usually seen standing on a corpse and with a Kapala (a cup made from a human skull) in his right hand along with the mongoose in his left hand. He is also usually pictured surrounded by a ring of fire. He is black in color, as his name would indicate.
The Black Jambhala is considered most effective for those that have a Chinese Astrological lucky element of water and animal sign of a pig or rat. If you have a statue of him you pour water on his belly, not his head, for added blessings. He has two different Mantras, "Om Zambhala Dzamlim Dzaye Svaha" and "Om Indzali Mu Kan Dzamali Svaha".
The Red Jambhala is said to be the manifestation of Vajrasattva, the Buddha of Purification. Some say that he is the Hindu God of Wealth, Lord Ganesh, and has the head of an elephant. Others picture him as having two faces and four arms. He also carries the mongoose in one of his left hands. His Tibetan name is said to be Dzambhala Mapo. So there seems to be quite a difference in how this God is defined.
For the greatest benefits achieved from worshiping him your Chinese Astrological lucky element should be fire and have an animal sign of a snake or horse. While chanting the Mantra you should also pour water on the statue. The Mantra for him is "Om Dzambhala Dzalim Dzaya Nama Mumei E She E, Om Dzachini Dzambhala Dzambhala Svaha".
The last of the five Wealth Gods, the Green Jambhala, is thought to be a form of the Buddha Akshobhya (who reigns over the eastern paradise). He is usually shown in tight embrace with his consort and carrying a jewel producing mongoose in his left hand. He is actually blue in color. The Green Jambhala made a sacred vow witnessed by Buddha Sakyamuni that he would protect anyone who chanted his Mantra.
Those who would benefit the most from him are those with the Chinese Astrological lucky element of wood and animal sign of a tiger or rabbit. Again the simultaneous pouring of water while chanting his Mantra is recommended. His Mantra is "Om Zambala Zalendhraye Soha."
I hope by reading this you can see why the Five Jambhala Wealth Gods are among my favorites. Their origins and uniqueness are fascinating and they are considered to be exceptionally powerful Wealth Gods.
I wish you all prosperity and abundance. Until later, please enjoy Sheng Chi!
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