Other figure
Shitoku Dōji
指徳童子
Shitoku Dōji is listed as one of the Eight Great Dōji (Hachidai Dōji). The Eight Great Dōji are a group of attendants (kenzoku) who follow Fudō Myōō.
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 Shitoku Dōji
Shitoku Dōji is listed as one of the Eight Great Dōji. The original buddha (honjibutsu) is described as Fukūjōju 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 traditions
The form is said to hold a three-pronged halberd in the right hand and a wheel treasure (rinbō) in the left, and to be the only one of the eight wearing armor and a helmet. A note explains that the halberd (geki) is a weapon unique to China that combines a spear and a dagger-axe.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Eight dōji who serve Fudō Myōō
The Eight Great Dōji are a group of attendants who follow Fudō Myōō. Shōhōin lists eight: Ekō, Eki, Anokuta, Shitoku, Ukubaga, Shōjō Biku, Kongara, and Seitaka. The explanations of each dōji's form and original buddha are based on that iconographic tradition.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Statues of the Eight Great Dōji handed down on Kōyasan
The Kōyasan Reihōkan introduces statues of the Eight Great Dōji handed down at Kongōbuji. The dōji depicted in paintings and sculpture show that faith in the attendants who assist Fudō's salvation has been passed down in many different forms.
Source: 高野山霊宝館
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：指徳童子」（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：八大童子」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 高野山霊宝館「第34回高野山大宝蔵展：高野山の名宝」（2026-10-15 確認）