By the decree of Empress Suiko, the sacred image 'Sanmen Daikokuten,' prayed for by Prince Shotoku, was enshrined in the Taisei San Shitenno-ji Temple (Tsu City, Mie Prefecture). It is said that Oda Nobunaga prayed for this image. According to the woodblocks from the Meiji era preserved in the temple, this image is an esteemed creation attributed to Prince Shotoku. This work has received certification from the Shitenno-ji Temple, and a precise 3D scan of the actual image was conducted. Based on the detailed data created through this process, a faithfully reproduced wooden statue was crafted. Each individual statue has received a grateful eye-opening ceremony from the enshrining temple, and it comes with a certificate of eye-opening ceremony and two sacred amulets (omamori and goshuin) as proof. This extraordinary piece, connected to historical figures such as Prince Shotoku and Oda Nobunaga, is filled with historical romance. Please enshrine it as the guardian deity, promising to endure and overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restoring the appearance of Oda Nobunaga's prayers!
The present appearance of 'Sanmen Daikokuten,' housed in the Shitenno-ji Temple, has seen the color on its surface nearly worn away due to the passage of time, exposing the wood. Nevertheless, the dignity that touches the hearts of those who see it remains unshaken. In the initial stages of creating this piece, there were two proposals: reproducing the current appearance as it is and recreating the appearance of the time when Oda Nobunaga prayed. After numerous discussions, it was decided to recreate the appearance of Oda Nobunaga's past. The reference for this was the image of 'Sanmen Daikokuten' depicted on old amulets passed down at Shitenno-ji Temple. Based on this, the Buddhist image colorist conducted verifications, resulting in the completion of this work.
Sanmen Daikokuten is a powerful triad of deities!
Through a single worship, Sanmen Daikokuten gains the benefits of the trinity of deities: Daikokuten, the god of wealth and prosperity; Bishamonten, the god of victory and fortune; and Benzaiten, the god of fortune, virtue, and treasure. It is the ultimate god of fortune, combining the strength of these powerful deities through a single act of worship.
God of abundant harvests - Daikokuten:
Daikokuten, originally the combat god Mahakala in India, gradually became a deity of wealth due to his immense power to bring treasures. When transmitted to Japan, he became associated with Daikokushin, a god of bountiful harvests. Riding on a large sack and holding it in his hand, he symbolizes the god of abundant harvests.
God of victory and fortune - Bishamonten:
Also known as Tamon-ten, Bishamonten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings and serves as the guardian of the north. With a fierce appearance trampling on evil demons, he is considered a god of victory, success, and fortune. Additionally, he is believed to bring blessings for fertility, as fervently believed by historical figures like Prince Shotoku, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, and Kusunoki Masashige. While Uesugi Kenshin is famously associated with Bishamonten, Takeda Shingen also carried a golden Bishamonten statue in his helmet during battles, attributing his numerous victories to the deity.
God of fortune, virtue, and treasure - Benzaiten:
Benzaiten, originally Sarasvati in ancient India, deified the river and became a goddess who, through the transmission of Buddhism via the Golden Light Sutra, came to Japan. Over time, she became one of the Seven Lucky Gods, associated with arts and sciences. From being the goddess of music due to the sound of flowing water, she expanded to be a deity bestowing talents in various arts and sciences. Presently, she is fervently worshiped as a god who grants both talent and fortune. The white snake, symbolizing wealth, is considered Benzaiten's messenger.
Oda Nobunaga, still immensely popular!
Oda Nobunaga, an emblematic figure of the Warring States period, made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, economics, military strategy, culture, and art with his innovative thinking. Although he may be known for his unconventional image, Nobunaga was a warrior who respected traditions and beliefs. His relationship with the imperial court was amicable, and his support for the restoration of temples and shrines was substantial. He even contributed 300 kan (approximately 300 million yen) for the revival of the Ise Jingu Grand Shrine, which had been dormant for nearly a century. The 'Sanmen Daikokuten' image provides unexpected insights into Nobunaga's character.
Historical researcher Takeshiro Haguro unravels
The behind-the-scenes of the history of the 'Sanmen Daikokuten' image and Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga's pledge to 'tenka fubu' with Sanmen Daikokuten
After unifying Owari, Oda Nobunaga conquered Mino. He pursued the fleeing Saito Ryokyu, invaded Ise, and advanced through regions like present-day Suzuka and Tsu. It is speculated that Nobunaga prayed for Sanmen Daikokuten around this time. Additionally, after the pacification of Mino, he began using the seal 'tenka fubu,' indicating a desire not only for victory but also for the unification of the country. Despite Nobunaga's unconventional image, he had a deep respect for traditions and beliefs as a warrior. His relationship with the imperial court was positive, and he aimed to revive the shogunate, as seen in his support for Ashikaga Yoshiaki. He restored many temples and shrines, including reviving the Ise Jingu Grand Shrine's triennial relocation, contributing 300 kan (approximately 300 million yen). The 'Sanmen Daikokuten' image provides an insight into Nobunaga's unexpected side.
Temple with historical connections to Prince Shotoku
Taisei San Shitenno-ji Temple
History:
Established by Prince Shotoku through the decree of Empress Suiko. Despite suffering from the fires of war, with halls burned down, it received generous donations from nobles, warriors, and the protection of castle lords, allowing for rebuilding after each adversity. For over 1,000 years, it has watched over travelers on the Ise road. Within its grounds lie the graves of significant figures such as Oda Nobunaga's birth mother, Lady Toda, Takeda Katsuyori's wife (Ishikura Clan), and the son of Toda Tomonao, Chiyomaru. The temple boasts treasures, including the certified hand-scroll painting of Prince Shotoku from the Important Cultural Properties, and a wooden sitting statue of Yakushi Nyorai.
The Sanmen Daikokuten image, blessed with an eye-opening ceremony at Taisei San Shitenno-ji Temple, is now available.
Each wooden carved image is meticulously handcrafted. Natural materials are used, and wood grain cannot be chosen. Hinoki cypress is characterized by beautiful wood grain, ensuring a secure purchase.