Buddhist temple
Chōgosonshi-ji
朝護孫子寺（ちょうごそんしじ）
Heguri, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture
A temple on Shigisan in Heguri, Nara Prefecture, also called Shigisan-ji. It is regarded as the sacred site where its principal image, Bishamon Tennō, first appeared in Japan, and it is known as the head temple (sōhonzan) of devotion to Bishamon Tennō.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal object of worship: Bishamon Tennō
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, in the reign of Emperor Bidatsu, in the year, on the day and at the hour of the Tiger, Prince Shōtoku perceived Bishamon Tennō on this mountain, and he later carved an image himself and enshrined it as the guardian principal image of the mountain. In the Heian period Myōren Shōnin arranged its halls and pagodas, and because he prayed for Emperor Daigo's recovery from illness, the temple was granted the imperial title Chōgosonshi-ji.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
There are many tatchū (sub-temples) on the mountain, such as Jōfuku-in. The principal image, Bishamon Tennō, is enshrined in the main hall of Chōgosonshi-ji.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 朝護孫子寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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