What are Komainu?
Explanation of the origin and form of komainu
Komainu are a pair of statues placed in front of the shrine’s hall of worship or at key points along the approach. With their heroic posture, they are supposed to ward off evil spirits and protect the deity. Komainu are not dogs, but are considered to be spirit animals, fictitious animals. Generally, the guardian dog on the right side is “A-form” with its mouth open, and the one on the left side is “Un-form” with its mouth closed. This pair is called “A-Un”.
There are multiple theories on the origin of the guardian dog, but one of the most widely held is that it was influenced by Chinese mythology and Buddhism. Some of the main theories are listed below:
- Buddhist influence theory： Buddhist Influence Theory: There is a theory that the origin of komainu comes from Buddhism. Buddhist temples in China had “lion statues” placed at their gates and precincts, and it is said that these were introduced to Japan and became komainu (stone guardian dogs). The “A” form is said to represent the Buddhist “lion” and the “Un” form the sacred beast called “Karaura”.
- Theory of Influence of Yin-Yang Tao：According to another theory, in Yin-Yang and Shinto, the A-form represents Yang (sunlight) and the Un-form represents Yin (moonlight). This symmetry is believed to be based on the yin-yang theory and the five elements philosophy.
- Theory of Mythic Influence：Some believe that mythology is associated with the origin of komainu. For example, they are sometimes said to have been derived from the story of Amaterasu and Toyotamahime no Mikoto in Japanese mythology.
Since there is no clear historical evidence of the origin of komainu, these theories have combined to form a unique form that has taken root in Japanese religious culture. Even today, komainu are widely favored at shrines and temples as symbols of protection and protection against evil.
Materials and composition of a pair of komainu
Stone and wood are generally used as materials for komainu. Stone guardian dogs are used in many shrines because they are durable and long-lasting. The pair of guardian dogs on the right side is usually made of “Seikinseki” or “Agate”, which symbolize yang qi, and the pair on the left side is usually made of “Kirinseki” or “Souryuseki”, which symbolize yin qi. The symmetrical arrangement of the pair of guardian dogs creates a balanced and sacred atmosphere.
Meaning and Beliefs of Komainu
Komainu’s role as protectors of evil and guardians of the gods
Komainu have the role of guarding the presence of the gods. Their heroic posture and dignified expression are intended to ward off evil and protect the sacred space. Komainu also symbolize the connection between beasts and people at shrines, and give a sense of people’s religious beliefs. Their role is religious and they have various meanings as symbols of protection against evil and of protection. Below are some of the main roles of komainu
- Role as an amulet：Komainu are placed at the gates or precincts of shrines and temples to ward off evil spirits and evil spirits. In particular, the a-form (the one with open mouth) is believed to have the power to intimidate bad things and drive away evil spirits.
- Symbolism as a guardian deity：Komainu are symbolic of guardian deities that protect shrines and temples. This is also influenced by Buddhist lion stone statues, which are placed at the gates and precincts of shrines and temples to serve as guardians of sacred places.
- Expression of Yin-Yang Tao and Five Elements philosophy：Based on the Yin-Yang Tao and the philosophy of the five elements, the A form of the guardian dog symbolizes the yang (sunlight) and the Un form symbolizes the yin (moonlight). This symmetry represents the harmony and balance of nature.
- Warning to Worshippers：Komainu also serve to warn worshippers that the place is sacred. When placed at gates or on temple grounds, they have the effect of indicating that the place is sacred and encouraging respect.
- Symbols of shrines and temples：Komainu have also become a symbol of Japanese shrines and temples, and their placement in these buildings and precincts creates a religious atmosphere.
What Komainu and Shisa have in common
Similar to the komainu, there is a creature called “shisa” in Okinawa. Like the komainu, the shisa is a guardian of evil and a protector of the gods. Both komainu and shisa are fictional spirit animals, and while the Japanese komainu originated in the ancient Orient, shisa are believed to have come from China. However, komainu are generally made of stone or wood, while Shisa are usually made of pottery or stone.
The Tradition of Exorcism in China
Komainu (guardian dogs) have a role in the Chinese tradition of driving away evil. In China, a ritual called “evil-demon exorcism” is practiced, and this ritual is sometimes said to be the origin of the komainu. Komainu are believed to have the power to protect sacred places and ward off evil spirits.
Imaginary beasts similar to komainu
There are similar beasts in Chinese, Korean, Ryukyuan, Greek mythology, Sumerian, and many other traditions that have been associated with the komainu. These beasts, like the komainu, are believed to have a sacred or protective role. These beasts, which have different forms in different cultures and regions, have been used as research material on the origin of komainu, as they share common meanings and symbolism.
But dogs are not the only komainu.
Various komainu
- Hie Shrine (Tokyo) where a pair of “sacred monkey statues” of a husband and wife are placed within the shrine’s precincts.
- Taikodani Inari Shrine (Shimane) Taikodani Inari Shrine is one of the “Five Great Inari Shrines of Japan” like Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, but instead of “Inari,” it is “Inari. The name “Inari” is meant to convey the meaning of “great wish fulfillment,” among others. There are not komainu (guardian dogs) but komain foxes.
- Manai Shrine (Kyoto) This shrine has dragons instead of komainu (guardian dogs). This shrine is also one of the most important shrines in Japan.
