Deva (ten) or guardian deity
Shichimen Tennyo (Shichimen Daimyōjin)
七面天女（七面大明神）
Shichimen Tennyo, also called Shichimen Daimyōjin, is cherished at temples of the Nichiren school and elsewhere as a guardian deity of the Lotus Sutra. Mount Shichimen in Yamanashi Prefecture is the center of the faith, and she is enshrined at Keishin-in on the summit.
This page introduces the founding legend of Mount Shichimen and the faith handed down at the temple.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
The legend of a woman who came to hear a sermon
Kuon-ji's guide relates a founding legend in which a woman who had come to hear Nichiren's sermon revealed herself in the form of a dragon and vowed to protect those who believe in the Lotus Sutra. It is a tradition that tells of faith in Mount Shichimen.
Source: 身延山 久遠寺
Removing misfortune and wishing for good health
Honshō-ji introduces the faith of praying to Shichimen Daimyōjin for recovery from illness, better fortune, and other wishes. Her protection has been prayed for as a deity who guards those who cherish the Lotus Sutra.
Source: 本昌寺
A key in the right hand and a jewel in the left
A type has come down in which she appears as a goddess holding a key (鑰) in her right hand and a wish-fulfilling jewel (nyoi hōju) in her left. The name “Shichimen” (seven faces) does not mean that she is depicted with seven faces. On this site we draw on the type of a celestial maiden with one face and two arms.
Source: 日蓮宗 現代宗教研究所・本昌寺
The go-ennichi on the 19th of each month
The monthly table of Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō) lists Shichimen Tennyo on the 19th. This is kept separate from each temple's schedule of services and climbing pilgrimages, and no common set time is given for praying at home.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院