Bishamonten (毘沙門天) is one of four figures placed at the corners of the main altar in a Buddhist temple. These figures correspond to the four cardinal directions, with Bishamonten representing the north. Bishamonten originated as a deity of wealth Kubera in Hindu mythology and came to Japan with many attributes: guardian of the realm of the north, guardian of Buddhist law, god of victory in war and god of wealth and good fortune. Bishamonten is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology.
Outside Japan, his name is Vaiśravaṇa, and in Tibet he is a dharmapala and one of the eight main dharmapalas, alongside Mahakala, Yama Yamantaka, Hayagriva, Palden Lhamo, Tshangspa Dkaro and Begste. In East Asian regions, his statues usually have one hand lifting up a miniature pagoda which is claimed to contain Śarīra in some beliefs. Another hand would carry either a Dhvaja, umbrella or polearm.
"Origin: India. One of the eight Hindu protector gods. Originally a leader of evil spirits, he was adopted into Buddhism as a god of fortune. Eventually he became one of the Four Heavenly Kings. With a spear in one hand and a pagoda in the other, he protects the north of Mt. Meru. As the strongest of the Four Kings, many warriors worshipped him. He is also the king of the yaksa and one of the Seven Lucky Gods."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS Dictionary
Bishamonten appears as the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings. The protagonist must meet with him and the others in order to proceed beyond the entrance to the Cathedral. In the neutral and law routes, he needs to be defeated to remove the protection on Tokyo. On the chaos route, however, he will join the party if the protagonist is strong enough (level 75 or higher).
Bishamonten appears as an optional boss twice, first at the Temple north of Ueno Park after finding the Kimon Sphere, and second in the Bandou Shrine. After the first fight, the Demi-fiend will receive the Gundari Magatama, and Bishamonten will tell them to collect all of the Magatamas and find him again with his master. He appears again in the Bandou Shrine as the last deva protecting the pillars of Masakado's Tomb.
"Bishamonten, also known as Tamonten, is one of the Four Heavenly Kings featured in Buddhist teachings. His name means "He who hears everything" and he is the guardian of the North. He is also associated with the colour yellow, the mongoose and the umbrella. His attendants are the natural spirits, the Yaksha. Bishamonten is often considered to be a god of justice and war. He originated from the Hindu god of the north, Kubera, and the two are sometimes considered one-in-the-same."
—Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE Compendium
Bishamonten can only be fused by acquiring the Visravas within the end chest of Ichigaya Camp's gold-level instance when summoning at least two other kings alongside Jikokuten. To spawn him alongside Jikokuten, players need to defeat the Yaksa miniboss in the basement levels.
He appears as the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings, fought at the culmination of the ever-steeper trial series of EX Missions, which can only be undertaken while aligned with Chaos; the reward for his defeat is a potent Chaos-aligned sword.
Bishamonten is both the client and opponent in the Challenge QuestTokyo Cosmos. He is found in the Jujo area of the Ikebukuro region. He appears alongside the other three once all four have been defeated to be fought as a group. He speaks and mentions that facing them as a group is the last part of the trial. After the four are defeated Bishamonten believes Flynn to be the reincarnation of the man who saved Tokyo twenty five years ago. He looks forward to the feats Flynn will accomplish and tells him to stay true to his ideals as he moves forward.
"Also known as Tamonten and Vaishravana in Buddhist lore, he is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings. He dwells halfway up Mt. Meru in the center of the world and protects the North under the command of Sakra. He is renowned as a war god since Prince Shotoku prayed to him for victory, and was later incorporated as one of the Seven Gods of Fortune as a deity that protects wealth. He is commonly depicted wearing armor, with a spear in hand and an angry expression on his face."
—Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse compendium
Bishamonten and the rest of the Four Heavenly Kings guard the temples that contain the jars of Aether which maintain the Tokugawa Mandala for the Divine Powers. Bishamonten can be found in the Ryukokuji Temple, guarding the jar of Aether which contains the essence of Wrath. Defeating Bishamonten will unlock him for fusion in the Cathedral of Shadows.
Bishamonten can teach Nanashi the War Cry, Bufudyne, Hades Blast and Luster Candy skills through his Demon Whisper. He benefits from learning Physical, Ice, Gun and support skills.
"Also known as Tamonten and Vaishravana in Buddhist lore, he is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings. He protects the North and is the god of war."
Bishamonten appears as a high level Persona of the Tower Arcana, only being able to be summoned once the protagonist reaches level 60. His in-game appearance looks more like the artwork of Indra than the other Heavenly Kings.
Bishamonten, along with the other four Devas, protect the barrier that separates the human world from the demon world. In all routes except Yuzu's, the protagonist must defeat him along with Zouchou and Koumokuten in order to access the demon world, where the Demon Summoning Server resides. Bishamonten is the first Deva fought, and after his defeat, he is unlocked for the player to fuse.
"Also known as Tamonten and Vaishravana in Buddhist lore, he is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings. He dwells halfway up Mt. Meru in the center of the world and protects the North under the command of Sakra. He is renowned as a war god since Prince Shotoku prayed to him for victory, and was later incorporated as one of the Seven Gods of Fortune as a deity that protects wealth. He is commonly depicted wearing armor, with a spear in hand and an angry expression on his face."
In Devil Survivor, while playing Naoya's Route, Bishamon and the other Devas will react rather angrily at the attack of the group, while in most other routes, they will gracefully accept fate and even encourage the protagonist.
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