Bodhisattva (bosatsu)
Kongōku
金剛吼
This bodhisattva is listed as one of the Godairiki Bosatsu.
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 Kongōku
This bodhisattva is listed as one of the Godairiki Bosatsu. It is explained that in the new translation its direction is east and it becomes Kongōshu Bosatsu.
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 the traditions
It is introduced in a form with three eyes, holding 千宝相輪 in the right hand.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Five powers, with prayers for protecting the land
The Godairiki Bosatsu are taught in the Ninnō Hannya Kyō as deities who protect a country that upholds Buddhism, and they became the principal deities of the Ninnō-e, a service praying for the protection of the nation. Although they are bodhisattvas, they are characteristically depicted with angry expressions like myōō. They are also called Godairiki-son and Gohō Bosatsu.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Differences from translations of the sutra and later faith
Shōhōin explains that the old and new translations of the Ninnō Hannya Kyō differ in how each bodhisattva is set out. They later also became linked with the Five Great Myōō, but the names and positions of the Godairiki Bosatsu and the Five Great Myōō cannot simply be exchanged for each other. The description of each deity can be read as an explanation of the line that Shōhōin presents.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：金剛吼」（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：五大力菩薩」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 鹿鳴文庫「仏像図彙：五大力菩薩」（2026-10-16 確認）