Deva (ten) or guardian deity
Zennishi Dōji
善尼師童子
Zennishi Dōji is introduced by Shōhōin as one of the five dōji who follow Bishamonten. A form holding a sutra with both hands is the distinguishing feature of this image. The figure belongs within the world of protection centered on Bishamonten.
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
A dōji who follows Bishamonten
Zennishi Dōji is introduced by Shōhōin as one of the five dōji who follow Bishamonten. A form holding a sutra with both hands is the distinguishing feature of this image. The figure belongs within the world of protection centered on Bishamonten.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Faith that enshrines Bishamonten with a dōji
At Shigisan Chōgosonshiji, Bishamonten, Kichijōten, and Zennishi Dōji (written 善膩師童子) are enshrined as a triad. The arrangement with a dōji conveys a faith in which Bishamonten is enshrined together with his attendants. The way the name is written and the objects the statues hold differ from source to source.
Source: 信貴山 朝護孫子寺
Mantra (in Japanese, as written in the sources)
オンゼンニシエイ、ソワカ
Source: 高野山真言宗 宝泉寺（金沢・五本松）
Shown as written in the Japanese sources. This site does not set how or how many times to recite it.
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：善尼師童子」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 信貴山 朝護孫子寺「ご本尊 毘沙門天王」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 高野山真言宗 宝泉寺（金沢・五本松）「よく使われる真言【永久保存版】」（2026-10-20 確認）