Deva (ten) or guardian deity
Ishana-ten
伊舎那天
Listed as the deity of the Twelve Ten (Jūniten) who governs the northeast. The Twelve Ten are a grouping of protective deities connected with the eight directions, above and below, and the sun and moon.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
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 name and role of Ishana-ten
Listed as the deity of the Twelve Ten (Jūniten) who governs the northeast. It is explained that he is the lord of the many hosts of demons, that he was originally a god governing fire and wind, and that in Buddhism he is regarded as a manifestation of Daijizaiten, that is, Makeishuraten.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Tracing the figure and traditions
It is said that this is to cut off delusion and desire and make people awaken to impermanence, and it is handed down that when he grows angry, demonic hindrances appear and the land falls into disorder.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Deities who guard the directions, heaven and earth, and the sun and moon
The Twelve Ten are protective deities connected with the eight directions — north, south, east, west and the four corners — above and below, the sun and the moon. They combine Taishakuten, Katen, Enmaten, Rasetsuten, Suiten, Fūten, Tamonten and Ishana-ten with Bonten, Jiten, Nitten and Gatten. It is a grouping that welcomes the deities who protect nature and space into Buddhist ritual.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Prayers that guard the place of ritual and remove disaster
Shōhōin links the Twelve Ten with prayers for harmony with nature and for warding off disaster, and describes them as beings who guard the place of the denpō kanjō (transmission consecration). The direction and held objects of each deity belong to this system of protection. It is a grouping separate from classifications of Shinto kami and from the twelve signs of the Western zodiac.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Mantra (in Japanese, as written in the sources)
おん ろだらや そわか。
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Shown as written in the Japanese sources. This site does not set how or how many times to recite it.
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：伊舎那天」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：十二天」（2026-10-14 確認）