Fudō Myōō

How to recognise Fudō Myōō

1. Rock seat (banjakuza)He sits on a huge rock, which stands for immovability; some images show it rising from the sea.
2. SwordA straight, vajra-hilted sword stands upright in his right hand and cuts through ignorance and delusion; sometimes a dragon coils around the blade (the Kurikara sword).
3. Rope (kensaku)A coiled rope in his left hand binds what is unruly and draws strays back to the path.
4. Flaming haloGaruda flames blaze behind his whole body, symbolising purifying wisdom fire rather than hellfire.
5. Blue-black skinHis deep indigo colouring follows the scriptural description of a blue-black form; red and yellow forms also exist.
6. Fierce faceWide, glaring eyes and bared fangs, sometimes one pointing up and one down, show protective resolve rather than hatred.
7. Braided hairA single braid hangs down on his left side.
8. Boy attendantsTwo small attendants, Kongara Dōji and Seitaka Dōji, may stand beside him; Kongara is usually the calmer and Seitaka the more vigorous.

Names and titles

• The Immovable Wisdom KingThe meaning of Fudō Myōō (Acala, the Immovable One)
• Sword of WisdomHis sword cuts through ignorance and delusion
• Burning Away ObstaclesHis flames burn away impediments and defilements so beings can go on toward enlightenment
• O-Fudō-samaA familiar, affectionate Japanese way of addressing him (O-Fudō-san, O-Fudō-sama)
• Guardian of the Mountain AsceticsFudō is a key figure for yamabushi, the Shugendō mountain practitioners

Feast days

• Fudō Ennichi28 October 2026

  The 28th of each month is Fudō's ennichi, a day when devotees believe his influence is especially strong. It is the same monthly observance as the other 28th entries in this list, and the January one is called Hatsu-Fudō.

  How it's celebrated. At Takahata Fudōson Kongōji in Hino, Tokyo, a Shingon temple, a goma fire rite is held on the 28th. The approach road is closed to traffic for a market from mid-morning to afternoon. Many other Fudō temples across Japan hold a monthly goma on this day.

  Sources: Byodoji Online: The Complete Ennichi

• Hatsu-Fudō28 January 2027

  Hatsu-Fudō is the first Fudō day of the year, on January 28th. It is the January instance of Fudō's monthly 28th ennichi, so the other entries in this list are the same celebration.

  How it's celebrated. Narita-san Shinshōji in Chiba holds one of the largest Hatsu-Fudō festivals, with very large crowds. At Takeyama in Yokosuka, devotees pray for good health, and stalls sell Fu-gashi sweets hung on bamboo leaves. At Godaidō Myōōin in Kamakura, a goma rite is held and amulets consecrated in the flames are given out.

  Sources: Ohmatsuri: Hatsu Fudo Festival, Naritasan · Guidoor: Takeyama Fudo, Yokosuka · iwafu: Hatsu Fudo, Godaido Myooin