Nyonin Tensho-do Hall
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女人天照堂

Nyonin Tensho-do Hall

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A hall dedicated to three goddesses—Kisshoten, Benzaiten, and Ggeiten—believed to bring blessings related to the arts and serving as the third temple in the Sasaguri pilgrimage route.

Standing beside the approach to the main hall of Nanzo-in is the Hall of Women's Illumination (Nyonin Tensho-do). Within this hall are enshrined three goddesses: Kisshoten, the deity of beauty and good fortune; Benzaiten, the goddess of music, arts, and eloquence; and Gigeiten, the goddess of performance and artistic endeavor. The hall is revered for the blessings it bestows upon those seeking artistic inspiration and creative pursuits. As the third temple on the Shinokutsu Shikoku Pilgrimage route, visitors may also receive temple stamps here as part of their pilgrimage journey.

Deities & Spirits

Three goddesses are enshrined within the hall. They are the three honored deities of Kisshoten, Benzaiten, and Gigaiten, and are said to bestow blessings related to the arts. All three are female deities originating from Buddhism and Hinduism, and they align well with the character of this hall dedicated to "women."

  • Kisshoten: Goddess of beauty, happiness, and good fortune

  • Benzaiten: Goddess who presides over all things that flow, including water, time, music, and eloquence. She is also one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods.

  • Gigaiten: Goddess who protects the arts and performing arts

Practical Information

Photography is prohibited inside the hall.

Staff members are stationed nearby at all times, and you can freely ask them questions or request explanations about the hall.

There is a small pond on the temple grounds, where you can often see turtles basking in the sun.

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