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Guardians - Sarugami

By Muza-chan on Jun 22, 2009 | In Japan travel | 3 feedbacks »

At the entrance of the Hie shrines, dedicated to Sannou, the deity from Mount Hiei (near Kyoto), there are usually two statues of monkey gods (Sarugami), a male and a female, guardians against evil spirits.

Hie Shrine Asakasa

Sarugami, especially the female, that carry a cub, are considered patrons of fertility, harmonious marriage and safe childbirth.

Hie Shrine Asakasa

Also, Sarugami is the lord of the famous three monkeys that “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil", from the Toshougu Shrine in Nikko:

The three wise monkeys

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 Bluesvox · http://bluesvox.blogspot.com/
:wave:Cool blog very interesting and wonderful pictures.:photo: Thanks for sharing the beauty:dream:
06/22/09 @ 22:13
 Prospero · http://serendipitousgarden.blogspot.com/
I didn't know where the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" originated from. Thank you. I also like the capes on the statues.
06/23/09 @ 17:42
 Tornadoes28 Email · http://toshogu.blogspot.com
The three monkeys are famous around the world but almost no one knows of the original wood carvings in Nikko.
06/23/09 @ 17:53

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