Shouten (also known as Kangiten) is a god of Japanese esoteric Buddhism, and very similar in form and function to the Hindu god, Ganesha. For those that worship it and show the proper respect, it will bring good luck, wisdom, and good health. However halfhearted devotion will turn its blessings into a curse, bringing bad luck, ignorance, and illness upon the offender. Shouten is widely considered central to conjugal affection, and often prayed to by couples hoping to bear children. It is rare to see statues of this deity however and it is used in secret rituals, this is because of its connections to the Hindu god, Ganesha. Shouten is generally depicted with a human body and an elephant's head, or as two elephant-headed deities in an embrace.