Laughing Budhha

Laughing Buddha, the celestial Buddha with a largely exposed pot belly stomach & a big bright smile is also known as Hotei or Pu-Tai, a wandering monk who goes around and takes the sadness from people of this world .Legend has it, due to his friendly behaviour, he is believed to be an incarnation of the Bodhisattva who will be Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha). He is taken as a chinese monk who lived over a thousand years ago & has
become a remarkable part of Shinto(the native religion of Japan) and Buddhist culture.The image of laughing Buddha is always seen carrying a linen sack full of wealth and it never gets empty. He is a true supporter of the poor, weak and children. Laughing Buddha symbolizes happiness and good luck. It is believed that if one rubs the Laughing Buddha's large belly, it brings wealth, fortune and prosperity.