Konpira Gongen
| Konpira Gongen | |
|---|---|
God of seafaring and sailors | |
Statue of Konpira Gongen, Musée Guimet | |
| Other names | Konpira Daigongen (金毘羅大権現) |
| Japanese | 金毘羅権現 |
| Affiliation | Acala (honji) Ōmononushi (conflated with) Emperor Sutoku |
| Major cult center | Kotohira-gū (Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan) |
| Mantra | On Kubiraya sowaka |
| Equivalents | |
| Buddhist | Bhaisajyaguru |
Konpira Gongen (金毘羅権現) is a Japanese god of the Shugendō sect originating in the mountain Kotohira of Kagawa Prefecture. He is the god of merchant sailors. He is worshipped at Kotohira Shrines
According to legend Konpira Gongen came into existence when a priest at Matsuo Temple summoned the Ganges deity Kumbhīra.
Kumbhīra was said to have been present at the preaching of the Mahāsamaya Sutta. He is a Ganges crocodile god.
He is identified with the first of the twelve spirit messengers emanating from Bhaisajyaguru.: 52
Alongside many other water deities like Watatsumi, Sumiyoshi, Munakata-sanjojin, Ebisu, and Gozu Tennō his cult became very significant in medieval times.: 316