Who 財神 is
The God of Wealth is not one figure but several. 趙公明 the martial Wealth God rides a black tiger and commands the four wealth marshals. 比干 the civil Wealth God was a minister famed for a heart with seven apertures. In Buddhist practice 黃財神 Yellow Jambhala serves a parallel role. This altar honours the tradition as it is actually practised, where the forms are often approached together.
His feast is the fifth day of the lunar new year, when 接財神 — receiving the God of Wealth — is performed at dawn.
Offerings and the mantra
Traditional offerings are oranges, sweets, tea and gold-coloured items. The 黃財神心咒 is given here in Chinese characters, in Sanskrit, and in a pronunciation guide, with licensed audio.
Common questions
Which day is best?
The fifth day of the lunar new year is the great day. The first and fifteenth of each lunar month are also traditional.
What do I offer?
Oranges, sweets, tea. The tradition values sincerity over expense.
Does this cost anything?
No.