Deity of shinbutsu shūgō (kami–buddha syncretism)
Honda Hachiman
誉田八幡
This is Honda Hachiman, introduced as one of the gongen.
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
Hachiman Ōkami and faith in protecting the nation
Iwashimizu Hachimangū enshrines Emperor Ōjin (Hondawake no Mikoto), Hime Ōkami and Empress Jingū. That Hachiman is called "Daibosatsu" (great bodhisattva) shows the history of a faith in which kami and buddhas were joined. Hachiman Daibosatsu of the Sanjū Banjin corresponds to the faith of Iwashimizu.
Source: 石清水八幡宮・日蓮宗 光瑞山本立寺
From Usa to Otokoyama: the origin story of the priest Gyōkyō
The history of Iwashimizu Hachimangū relates its founding as follows: in 859, the priest Gyōkyō, who was praying at Usa, received an oracle from Hachiman Ōkami saying that the kami would move to Otokoyama near the capital and protect the country. It is a story that shows not only the image of a kami of warriors but also the spread of faith that protects the capital and its people.
Source: 石清水八幡宮
The name and role of Honda Hachiman
This is Honda Hachiman, introduced as one of the gongen. The original buddha is said to be Amida, and it is explained that the name Hachiman came from a tradition that white and red banners descended from the heavens at his birth.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Tracing the form and the traditions
Honda Hachiman is depicted holding a bow and wearing armor. The text gives two readings side by side: "Honda Hachiman" and "Konda Hachiman".
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・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：誉田八幡」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 石清水八幡宮「石清水八幡宮について」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 日蓮宗 光瑞山本立寺「三十番神堂」（2026-10-15 確認）