Matarajin

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Matarajin (摩多羅神) or Madarajin (摩怛哩神) is a Buddhist god chiefly venerated in the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism. While originally regarded as a wrathful deity obstructing rebirth in the pure land, and thus a "god of obstacles", with time he also came to be seen as a protector of adherents of Tendai doctrine, capable of warding off demons, especially tengu, as well as epidemics. He also acquired other roles, including these of a protector of performing arts (for example noh and sarugaku) and of an astral god of destiny. He additionally came to be identified with a large number of other figures, such as Mahakala, Shinra Myōjin and Susanoo, as a result acquiring some of their characteristics. He could be identified as the wrathful aspect of Amida Buddha as well. Multiple traditions regarding his iconography are documented. Initially he was depicted as a multi-armed and multi-headed deity, but with time he came to be portrayed as a smiling old man dressed like a Japanese aristocrat. He could also be symbolically represented by the okina mask. Little evidence exists for temples, shrines or mandalas dedicated to Matarajin. It is known that he came to be enshrined in a number of historical Tendai sanctuaries, including Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei. He was also the central figure in the Genshi Kimyōdan rites. They came under criticism in the Edo period due to efforts to reform Tendai, leading to decline in the worship of Matarajin. He nonetheless continues to be celebrated in the "ox festival" of Kōryū-ji. A hidden statue representing him is also located in Mōtsū-ji, though it can only be seen once every thirty three years.