3 hours ago
Last Updated:August 29, 2025, 20:15 IST
The Daruma is an iconic cultural symbol and popular souvenir from Japan. Modelled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, it represents perseverance and good luck
The Daruma is inspired by Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, revered in Japan as Daruma Daishi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday was presented with a Daruma doll by the priest at Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple.
The Prime Minister landed in Tokyo this morning on a two-day visit that comes amid a strain in New Delhi’s relations with Washington over President Donald Trump’s policies on trade and tariffs.
PM Modi expressed gratitude to Seishi Hirose for gifting him a Daruma Doll.
“It was an honour to meet Rev. Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple in Takasaki-Gunma. My gratitude to him for presenting a Daruma Doll. Daruma is considered to be an important cultural symbol in Japan and also has a connect with India. It is influenced by Bodhidharma, a noted monk," PM Modi wrote on X.
It was an honour to meet Rev. Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple in Takasaki-Gunma. My gratitude to him for presenting a Daruma Doll. Daruma is considered to be an important cultural symbol in Japan and also has a connect with India. It is influenced by… pic.twitter.com/HjSWVx78sp— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2025
Addressing a business forum in Tokyo, PM Modi said India and Japan will together shape the Asian century for stability, growth and prosperity. He added that Japan’s excellence and India’s scale can create a perfect partnership and mutual growth.
Daruma Doll: Meaning & Significance
The Daruma is an iconic cultural symbol and popular souvenir from Japan. Modelled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, it represents perseverance and good luck. Traditionally, the doll is used to set and achieve goals: one eye is filled in when a goal is set, and the other when it is accomplished. Its rounded base allows it to return upright when tipped over, symbolising resilience and the saying, “Fall seven times, stand up eight."
Daruma and Its Connection with India
The Daruma is inspired by Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, revered in Japan as Daruma Daishi. According to tradition, Bodhidharma meditated facing a wall for nine continuous years with folded limbs. This is why the Daruma doll is crafted with a rounded shape, without limbs or eyes.
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Tokyo, Japan
First Published:August 29, 2025, 14:49 IST
News india PM Modi Receives Daruma Doll From Japan Priest: Meaning Behind The Symbol Explained
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
