Deva (ten) or guardian deity
Zōchōten
増長天
Zōchōten is listed as the deva (tenbu) in charge of the south among the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitennō). The Four Heavenly Kings are figures who guard the four directions, east, west, south, and north, and protect the Buddha's teachings.
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 Zōchōten
Zōchōten is listed as the deva in charge of the south among the Four Heavenly Kings. He is described as protecting Nansenbushū, the southern continent of Mount Shumisen, and as also being called the chief of the demonic beings (kijin). He is also listed among the Sixteen Good Deities (Jūroku Zenjin) and the Twenty-eight Attendants (Nijūhachi Bushū).
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Tracing the form and traditions
He is said to be colored in shades of red and to hold a halberd (geki) in the hand. The usual form is described as wearing a heavenly robe (ten'e) over armor, holding a sword or a spear (hoko) in the right hand, and having a wrathful face.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Four heavenly kings protecting the teachings from four directions
The Four Heavenly Kings are Jikokuten in the east, Zōchōten in the south, Kōmokuten in the west, and Tamonten in the north. It is taught that they serve Taishakuten and protect the world of Mount Shumisen and the Buddhist teachings. In temples, they are enshrined as if surrounding the principal image on four sides, as figures who protect the principal image and the teachings.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Protection expressed in armed figures
In the Lecture Hall (Kōdō) of Tōji as well, the Four Heavenly Kings, together with Bonten and Taishakuten, guard the buddhas, bodhisattvas, and myōō. Their armor and weapons, and the demons (jaki) beneath their feet, visually express their power of protection. The individual attributes and colors differ from statue to statue.
Source: 真言宗総本山 東寺・飛不動尊 正宝院
Mantra (in Japanese, as written in the sources)
おん びろだきゃ やきしゃ ぢはたえい 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：増長天」（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：四天王」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 真言宗総本山 東寺「天、菩薩、明王、如来」（2026-10-15 確認）