Summary
Jujutsu Kaisen’spower system is arguably the most complex in the entire shonen landscape, with author Gege adding another layer of nuance by basing most cursed techniques and powers on real-world mythos and theologies. This also holds true for one of the strongest beings in the series — the Divine General Mahoraga, a shikigami summoned throughthe Ten Shadows Techniquewielded by Megumi Fushiguro.
Unlike the rest of Fushiguro’s summons, the Divine General Mahoraga is a creature of unfathomable power, even giving the Demon King Sukuna a run for his money. With such significance inJujutsu Kasien’snarrative, it’s only natural for the shikigami’s influence to be drawn from eastern religions and Japan’s own indigenous theology.
Debut Date
June 20, 2025
Officially known as the “Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga,” the Mahoraga is the strongest out ofall the shikigami summonedthrough the Ten Shadows Technique. With a towering humanoid figure and an otherworldly appearance, the Mahoraga remains undefeated in the Ten Shadow Technique’s entire existence, as no sorcerer has ever been able to tame the divine general.
With This Treasure, I Summon Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga!
While the Mahoraga possesses exceptional physical prowess and cursed energy, its true power lies in its Adaptation technique. This skill allows the Mahoraga to adapt itself to any technique after just one hit, becoming almost entirely immune to the ability in question. This technique was able to nullify almostall of Sukuna’s attacks, since it allowed the Mahoraga to effortlessly counter the demon’s abilities after experiencing them just once.
The Symbolism Behind the Divine General
Jujuts Kaisen Draws Influence From Hindu and Buddhist Theology
The Sanskrit origins of the name “Mahoraga” might point towards the shikigami’s origins in Hinduism. However, the Mahoraga embodies a mix of elements from Buddhism, Hinduism, and even Jainism, marking the creature’s roots in the South and East Asian regions.
It’s also worth noting thatJujutsu Kaisen’soriginal Japanese script uses the name “Makora” for the shikigami, yet the official translations opted for the current version instead. While both names present an almost similar meaning, opting for Mahoraga ties the creature’s roots to Hindu theology, a significant link considering the wheel of adaptation on the shikigami’s head also stems from Hinduism.
The Eight-Handled Wheel
One of the key aspects of the Mahoraga’s appearance is an eight-handled wheel that hovers above its head. While this wheel might initially seem nothing more than a stylistic choice, it is later revealed to be one of the main facets ofthe Mahoraga’s adaptation technique. Whenever the Mahoraga analyzes and counters a technique, the wheel above its head spins slightly.
This wheel is inspired by both Buddhism and Hinduism, two religions that consider this symbol to be an emblem of cosmic balance. Known as the Dharmachakra, this wheel is primarily used in Buddhism to represent Budhha’s Dharma, or his path to enlightenment.Jujutsu Kaisenuses the wheel in a similar symbolic way, as every time the Mahoraga adapts to a technique, the wheel spins. This motion represents overcoming and countering an attack, similar to the Dharma or path to enlightenment.
The Meaning Behind the Mahoraga’s Moniker
The title of the “Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga” might be a mouthful, yet this moniker has several layers of nuance to it. “Eight-Handled Sword” refers to Yatsuka no Tsurugi, one of the Ten Sacred Treasures ofthe Shinto god Nigihayahi. Each shikigami of the Ten Shadows Technique is named after one of the ten treasures, which makes the Mahoraga’s title quite befitting.
“Sila” is a term used to define virtues and disciplines in Buddhism, some that dictate the foundation of the religion. “Divergent Sila” indicates a deviation from the rightful paths of Buddhism, which defines the Mahoraga’s bloodlust and menacing disposition. Lastly, the “Divine General” refers to Makora, one of the Twelve Divine Generals or Guardian Deities slated to protect the Buddha of Healing. Each facet of the title represents a different aspect of Buddhism, yet the whole moniker describes the Maharoga almost perfectly.
The Reference Behind the Name “Mahoraga”
While the Mahoraga’s moniker and appearance largely reference Buddhist cosmology, the name “Mahoraga” itself has its roots in Sanskrit. In the Buddhist and Hindu religions, the Mahoraga are considered to be exalted beings, with some boastingthe status of godhood. Their bodies are anthropomorphic, though they often take on a more human-like appearance.
Jujutsu Kaisen’sMahoraga fits the description of these deities to an extent, albeit without the primordial status of these exalted beings. While theJujutsu Kaisenstill refers to the Mahoraga as “Makora” in the original Japanese script, Viz Media’s creative liberty to the name has added another layer of depth to the shikigami’s title.
