The Great Sage Enraged Deity (Shōten) was introduced to Japan through the "Daishōten Kanki Sōshin Binayaka Hō" found in the catalog brought back by the Buddhist monk Kūkai from China. It is considered the ultimate expedient means of Esoteric Buddhism, bringing worldly benefits as the most powerful Buddha who guides and teaches sentient beings. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became the ruler of Japan, Edo-period wealthy merchant Kinokuniya Bunzaemon, Fukuzawa Yukichi, who enlightened the people and advocated national development, and the first prime minister, Itō Hirobumi, were among the believers. It is known as the supreme deity that bestows ultimate wisdom, happiness, and joy, fulfilling all desires. Even in recent times, founders of globally recognized companies referred to as "the god of business" and Nobel Peace Prize-winning prime ministers have been known to be devoted followers.
The Great Sage Enraged Deity (Shōten) is the deity born from the union of the Hindu supreme god Shiva and goddess Parvati, who, after converting to Buddhism, became a protective deity and benevolent god. Its benefits are considered so immense that it is feared for its ability to bring about the seven fortunes in an instant, known as "Shichifukusokujō" (gaining seven generations of prosperity in one generation).
Due to its tremendous blessings, the sacred image of the Great Sage Enraged Deity is considered an absolute secret Buddha and is symbolized by a radish or a pouch. The "Shōten Kito" prayer, another aspect of its worship, is also a secret ritual that can only be performed in temples where practitioners must observe various precepts with sincere dedication. The Bupposhōryū-ji temple in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, has been conducting this prayer for over 400 years.
Counted as one of the branch temples of Suwa Shrine (Suwa Taisha), Bupposhōryū-ji is a venerable temple with a history of serving as the praying temple for the Suwa Takashima domain since the Warring States period. The Great Sage Enraged Deity enshrined in the Shōten Hall on the grounds was originally revered as the guardian deity of Takashima Castle within the domain, but it was relocated to its current position overlooking Takashima Castle by the fourth lord, Suwa Tadatora, in the 6th year of the Kyōhō era (1721).
Due to being an absolute secret Buddha, worshippers cannot directly see the Great Sage Enraged Deity. To address the prayers of those seeking great wealth and good relationships, in the autumn of the second year of Reiwa (2020), the temple erected the prayer Buddha "Ginnan Nitenson" (Ginkgo Twin Deities). Crafted by contemporary master sculptor Yuboku Mukoyoshi, this prayer Buddha represents the twin deities Bishamonten and Kichijoten, enshrined alongside Shōten-sama in the Shōten Hall as a pair of secret Buddhas. Drawing inspiration from the ancient ginkgo tree on the temple grounds, known as the "married couple ginkgo," the twin deities symbolize the Great Sage Enraged Deity Twin Bishamonten residing within the ginkgo (altar).
In these prolonged times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many seek solace, it is hoped that the extraordinary virtues of the prayer Buddha "Ginnan Nitenson" will bring safety and blessings to many. Having passed 300 years since the relocation and reconstruction of the Shōten Hall, the birth of the separate deity 'Taisei Ginnan Nitenson' is intended for each household to enshrine, receiving individual eye-opening ceremonies along with eye-opening certificates as evidence of the prayers. Please consider placing this separate deity in your home, praying for peace in these tumultuous times under the auspices of the versatile power of good fortune.
Furthermore, when you feel that calamities have dispersed due to the immense virtues, and your family has achieved the desired goals through great fortune and good relationships, kindly return the 'Taisei Ginnan Nitenson' currently in your possession to Bupposhōryū-ji and invite a new 'Taisei Ginnan Nitenson' to your home. The returned 'Taisei Ginnan Nitenson' will be consecrated in the Shōten Hall, spending eternity with the Great Sage Enraged Deity, while the new 'Taisei Ginnan Nitenson' brings further prosperity and good relationships to your home. Through this fortunate "infinite loop," the benefits of Shichifukusokusho will guide your household towards lasting prosperity.