Founder or eminent monk
Ganzan Daishi (Ryōgen)
元三大師（良源）
Ganzan Daishi is an honorific name for Ryōgen (912–985), a monk of the Tendai school in the Heian period. As the 18th Tendai Zasu, he worked to revive Mount Hiei and to train people. He is called Ganzan Daishi after the day of his death, the 3rd day of the first month.
The life of the historical Ryōgen and the faith in warding off misfortune that spread in later times are introduced separately.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
An eminent monk who supported Mount Hiei
Ryōgen devoted himself to doctrinal study on Mount Hiei and to the training of monks, and he is revered as its restorer. He is also known by the honorific title Jie Daishi.
Source: 天台宗・調布市
As the Daishi who wards off misfortune
At Jindai-ji and other temples, Ganzan Daishi is enshrined as the Daishi who wards off misfortune. The forms called Tsuno Daishi and Oni Daishi have also been handed down, together with wishes to drive away calamity. These are expressions of the faith surrounding the Daishi.
Source: 深大寺
The figure of a monk, and Tsuno Daishi
Here we draw on the type of a seated monk with shaved head, wearing a kesa. It is a different way of depicting him from the horned image of Tsuno Daishi.
Source: 調布市・深大寺
The connection on the 3rd of each month
Hōjū-ji announces the 3rd of each month as the ennichi of Ganzan Daishi. Please check the times of each temple's events separately, and at home, pray at a time when you can settle your mind.
Source: 天台宗 法住寺
Related shrines and temples
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 天台宗「元三大師」（2026-10-18 確認）
- 調布市「深大寺の元三大師像」（2026-10-18 確認）
- 深大寺「鬼大師」（2026-10-18 確認）
- 天台宗 法住寺「〈10月〉毎月3日は元三大師さまのご縁日」（2026-10-16 確認）