Mahakala

This article is about the demon. For the skill, see Mahakala (Skill).

Mahakala is a Demon in the Megami Tensei franchise.

Profile

Origin

Mahākāla (महाकाल; lit. "great black one" or "great time/death")^[a] is a manifestation of Shiva in Hinduism.

In Buddhism, Mahākāla is seen as a bodhisattva who is a protector of the Dharma.

In Japan, Mahākāla is venerated as one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Mahākāla's name in Japanese, 大黒天 Daikokuten (lit. "great black deva") or simply 大黒 Daikoku (lit. "great black one"), is homophonous with the Sino-Japanese reading of the first two characters in Okuninushi's name, 大国 Daikoku, which influenced Mahākāla's depiction in Japan.

Design

Gameplay

For complete gameplay information, see Gameplay:Mahakala.

Compendium

Compendium Entries
Shin Megami Tensei (A-Mode DDS)	Origin: India Another name for Shiva, god of destruction. "Maha" means "great" and "kala" means "black." In Buddhism he is called Daikokuten. A misunderstanding in China led to him being known as a god of the kitchen. Some say he was made one of the Seven Lucky Gods due to Okuninushi's reputation. (Okuninushi's name can also be pronounced "daikoku.") The true Mahakala is nothing like that and looks more like a demon than anything.
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon	A Hindu god of rage bent on defeating demons. He is an aspect of Shiva, and came to be known as Daikokuten. His many blades are feared, but if he is treated with reverence, he can bring great wealth and fortune.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin	An incarnation of Shiva. Known as Daikokuten in Buddhism.
Persona 4	Indian god who repels evil, known as Daikokuten in Buddhism. Its swords are fearsome, but by paying tribute to him, believers may be blessed with tremendous wealth and happiness.
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth	Indian god who repels evil, known as Daikokuten in Buddhism. His swords are fearsome, but by paying tribute to him, believers may be blessed with tremendous wealth and happiness.
Devil Survivor: Overclocked	An Indian god who repels evil, known as Daikokuten in Buddhism. His swords are fearsome, but by paying tribute to him, his worshippers are blessed with tremendous wealth and happiness. One theory holds that he is an incarnation of Shiva, the destroyer.
Devil Survivor 2	An Indian god who repels evil, known as Daikokuten in Buddhism. His swords are fearsome, but by paying tribute to him, his worshippers are blessed with tremendous wealth and happiness. One theory holds that he is an incarnation of Shiva, the destroyer.

Nomenclature

Names in Other Languages
Language	Name	Meaning
English	Mahakala
Japanese	マハカーラShin Megami Tensei Last Bible II Last Bible III Majin Tensei Majin Tensei II: Spiral Nemesis Devil Survivor Devil Survivor: Overclocked Devil Survivor 2 Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker Mahakāra	Mahakala
Japanese	マハーカーラPersona 2: Innocent Sin Persona 2: Eternal Punishment Mahākāra	Mahakala