40 Juntei Kannon

This is one of the six Kannon formed in Japan. She was originally known as Durga in Hinduism, and is regarded as the queen of Lord Shiva. Though very beautiful, she is a goddess of battle who defeated demons with the weapons of the gods. Therefore, it was at one time observed that this Kannon was not, strictly speaking, a Kannon bodhisattva, but rather a female deity, so there was inconsistency in grouping her along with the others.

This Kannon was widely worshipped in esoteric Buddhism in China, and later in Zen Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, Taoism, and more, being revered from India through Southeast Asia. When Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan, opened Mt. Koya, he first erected the monks’ quarters, followed by the Juntei Hall. That hall is known for enshrining the Juntei Kannon as the principal object of worship.

Since it was incorporated into Buddhism, it has been regarded as a god that brings merciful purification, and confers blessings like protecting monks, keeping worshipers in good health and free of disease, and prolonging life, and is also beneficial in terms of safe childbearing.