A pure white papier-mâché doll with a hidden Buddha motif
Kabusanji Temple in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, is an ancient temple with a history of over 1,300 years. It was founded by En no Ozunu, the founder of Shugendo in the Nara period, and restored by Prince Kaisei as a place of imperial prayer for Emperor Konin. During the Heian period, it flourished as a base for mountain worship and Shugendo, and later attracted devout worship from members of the imperial family and military commanders.
Kamimine-san Temple is said to be the first temple in Japan to enshrine Bishamonten, and its three principal images are Bishamonten, Tobatsu Bishamonten, and Soshin Bishamonten.
Kabuta Bishamonten is enshrined in the "uchi-nai-jin" (inner inner sanctuary) further back than the inner sanctuary, and is a secret Buddha statue that is only open to the public on November 23rd every year (no public opening date has been set for this year). The "Paper Mache Bishamon-san" is a gift item made in imitation of the principal image. Made by artisans in Kyoto, it is a papier-mache doll measuring approximately 14cm in height, and is used as a guardian deity for the home. When enshrined with a prayer tablet, it bestows blessings such as safety for the household, prosperity in business, and protection from evil.
