Read, reflect, pray
Tenjin’s divine name
天神さまの御神号
The divine name of Sugawara no Michizane introduced by Kitano Tenmangū. The form with Namu reflects kami–buddha syncretism; this is a name, not the full text of a Tenjin sutra.
English meaning and source text
English meaning
About this English rendering
This site’s English rendering of the Japanese meaning guide, aligned with this edition. It is separate from the source words for recitation and is not an official liturgy. Sacred sounds are explained where possible, not given speculative literal translations. Historical beliefs, royal authority, illness and protection claims belong to the text; they are not present-day judgments, medical advice or guarantees of results.
Tenman Daijizai Tenjin: this is the divine name by which Sugawara no Michizane is revered.
I wholeheartedly honor Tenman Daijizai Tenjin and turn toward him, taking his divine heart as my support.
These two entries are examples of forms of the divine name, not an order for reciting them in succession.
Source text and reading aid
Roman letters are provided for every line of this source text.
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
天満大自在天神
tenmandaijizaitenjin
南無天満大自在天神
namu tenmandaijizaitenjin
Connected kami and buddhas
These connections include figures addressed, mentioned, or associated by tradition. They do not assign a universal recitation practice.
Sources and edition (2)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.