The
figure inside the wooden Zushi Altar depicts a fierce looking Fudo Myo-o flanked
by two deities that measures 3.25” tall. The writing on the back of the piece
reads “Narita, Prayer for good luck and good fortune” and it means Narita Shinsho-Ji
Temple in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Ever since founded by Priest Kanjo in 940,
the temple has been the center of worship as the head temple of Chizan Branch
of Shingon Sect also known as ' Fudo of Narita.' The principal worship image of
this temple is the Fudo Myo-o statue carved by Kukai, the founder of the Shingon
Sect.
Fudo
Myo-o (God of Fire also written as Acalaratha in red Sanskrit ) is a manifestation
of Dainichi-Nyorai (Mahavairocana in Sanskrit) means the God to enlighten the
world. He has a fierce scowling appearance that represents his vow to appease
and conquer the anger in our minds. He carries fire flames on his back. This shows
his vow to burn up all of our sinful worldly desires and to repel evil. The sword
he carries in his right hand is a warning to the evil sprits and the string of
rope in his left hand is used to tie up the evil as well as to show his deepest
mercy. The two deities like this piece usually accompany him; the one on his right
is called Kongara-doji and on his left is called Seitaka-doji. They are working
together for the sake of their master for salvation of all human kinds.
