Bishamonten & Other Treasures at Anyoji Temple

 

The honzon of Anyoji Temple near Kurashiki is a golden Bishamonten.

These first six photos are taken in the main hall.

The central, golden statue is Bishamonten depicted seated, whereas he is normally depicted standing. I think the giant Bishamonten statue sitting atop the main gate is modelled on this one.

Bishamonten is, like the other Shitenno, Four Heavenly Kings, originally a Hindu deity brought into Japan through Chinese Buddhism.

Unlike the other three, Jikokuten, Zochoten, and Komokuten, Bishamonten can often be found alone, separated from the Shintenno, and is in fact one of the Seven Lucky Gods.

Also displayed in the main hall is the statue above of Ganesha in its Japanese form of Shoten or Kangiten.

As well as the main hall, the Jogando displays 31 statues, mostly of Bishamonten carved in the Heian Period.

Usually known as Tamonten when part of the Shitenno, Bishamonten seems to be his name when apart from the group.

Like all deities in Japan, both Buddhist and Kami, he has a variety of attributes and appearances though is usually depicted with a pagoda in one hand.

Like the other Shitenno he is usually depicted wearing armour, and usually with either a baton, or a spear in the other hand.

As one of the Shitenno he is considered the guardian of the north and his colour is black.

Most famously he is considered a patron and protector of samurai, and within the Shingon tradition is often equated with  Hachiman

The above statue is, I believe, of Kichijoten, wife of Bishamonten and an Indian Goddess of wealth, beauty, and fertility.

The photo above is, I believe, a modern statues of Zao Gongen. It is possible that it is now on display inside the refurbished Daishi Hall and not the main hall as when I visited.

In Japan the messenger of Bishamonten is the centipede, possibly because of the belief that centipedes can sense gold.

In Japan Bishamonten is also associated with the Tiger, probably connected to a legend about Shoko Taishi.

Usually, all four of the Shitenno are depicted with a foot on a small demon-like creature called Jyaki in Japanese.

The previous posts on Anyoji include the Dragon Kannon Hall, the Seven Lucky Gods, The Tie-cutting Fudo Myo, the unusual Pagoda,  and the Teahouse.

Hanta-ji Temple 50 Shikoku Pilgrimage

 

Just 1.6 kilometers from temple 49, Jodoji, temple 50, Hanta-ji is located on the hillside to the east of southern Matsuyama City.

Said to have been founded around 750 by Gyoki who is also said to have carved the honzon, a small Yakushi Nyorai.

Later Kobo Daishi visited and changed the name to Hantaji.

In the late 13th century Ippen Shonin studied here and later went on to found the Jishu sect.

The ceiling of the bell tower is decorated with paintings depicting Chinese scenes which I believe represent the 24 Paragons of Filial Piety.

The temple is probably most well known for its statue of Kangiten housed in the Shotendo which is fronted by a torii.

The crossed daikon is one symbol connected to Kangiten. It is said to represent marital harmony, one of the many wishes that Kangiten is known for.

Kangiten, like so many of the deities in Japan, has a long and complex history and identities but is closely connected to the Hindu deity Ganesh.

The statue of Kangiten was donated by Ietsuna, the 4th Tokugawa Shogun.

From the late 14th century the temple prospered due to a connection with the imperial temple of Sennyuji in Kyoto and grew to include over 100 branch temples.

The previous temple on the Shikoku Ohenro Pilgrimage was Jodoji, number 49.