During his recent two-day visit to Japan for the India-Japan Annual Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a culturally significant gift: a Daruma doll presented by Rev. Seishi Hirose, the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. This gesture has sparked interest in the Daruma doll's symbolism, its deep roots in Japanese culture, and its surprising connection to India.

The Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese talisman, a hollow, round figure typically made of papier-mâché, and painted red. It is modeled after Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, who is credited with founding Zen Buddhism. In Japan, Bodhidharma is known as Daruma Daishi. Legend says that Bodhidharma meditated for nine years facing a wall, which led to his limbs atrophying. This is why the Daruma doll is depicted without arms or legs. The doll's rounded shape and weighted bottom are designed so that it always returns to an upright position when knocked over, symbolizing resilience, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity. This characteristic embodies the Japanese proverb "Nanakorobi yaoki," which means "fall down seven times, get up eight".

The Daruma doll is more than just a toy; it's a symbol of good luck, perseverance, and the pursuit of goals. A unique custom associated with the Daruma doll involves goal setting. When someone sets a goal or makes a wish, they purchase a Daruma doll and paint in one of its eyes. The doll then serves as a constant reminder of the goal. Once the goal is achieved, the second eye is filled in, signifying fulfillment. Many people return their Daruma dolls to temples at the end of the year in a ceremony called 'Daruma Kuyo,' a cleansing ritual of gratitude and release.

The Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki is closely linked to the Daruma doll's symbolism as a good luck charm. The temple's founder created New Year's charms depicting Bodhidharma, which were believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and protection. As demand grew, the ninth priest, Togaku, introduced the papier-mache figurine form, which eventually evolved into the Daruma doll we know today. Today, Takasaki is considered the birthplace of Daruma dolls, producing over 80% of all Daruma dolls distributed in Japan.

While the traditional Daruma doll is red, they are now available in various colors, each associated with a specific type of wish. For example, purple represents health and longevity, yellow signifies security and protection, gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and white represents love and harmony. The presentation of the Daruma doll to PM Modi is a gesture that reaffirms the close civilizational and spiritual ties between India and Japan. It recognizes Bodhidharma's Indian origins and the profound influence he had on East Asian Buddhism. The gift also symbolizes a renewal of historical bonds and reinforces the spiritual kinship between the two nations.