僧伽

Saideokugyoku-NyoShin (Goddess of Auspicious Virtue)
Owned by Keimei-in, a Sub-Temple of Myoken-ji, the Grand Head Temple

This deity is believed to bring fortune through the power of the Myōhō Renge Kyō (Lotus Sutra). The design used for this depiction of Saideokugyoku-nyo-shin was printed from a woodblock carved in November of Kansei 8 (1796).

The woodblock itself is quite large, measuring 39 cm in height and 19 cm in width, indicating that significantly large paper talismans were used during the Edo period. Due to its considerable size and status as a treasured artifact of the temple, paper talismans are no longer printed and distributed, except on special occasions.

Saideokugyoku-nyo-shin is commonly known as Toshitoku-shin, the deity of the New Year. The Eho (lucky direction) refers to the direction where this deity resides, and it is believed that performing actions while facing this direction brings good fortune in all matters. For this reason, during the New Year, people place this deity's talisman in the Eho direction to pray for prosperity and blessings.

The three Nyoi-hoju (wish-fulfilling jewels) held by the deity are also known as Sankyō-hoju (Three Mirror Jewels). They symbolize the three celestial lights—the sun, moon, and stars—as well as the three cosmic elements—heaven, earth, and humanity—representing the governing forces of the universe.

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