Zuijin

In Shinto, Zuijin (随身, lit. "Obeying-Orders Being" or "Attendant Deity/Spirit") - are Kami warrior-guardian figures, Kami that guard over shrine gates are considered to be Kado-Mori-no-Kami or Kadomori-no-Kami, the gods who watch over the gates. They're often depicted as holding bows and arrows altought some versions have them holding swords or spears, or wearing three silver rings. It appears on glass-like materials. The name was originally applied to the bodyguards of the Emperor of Japan. Statues of Zuijin are now often placed flanking shrine gates, similar to the Niō and Gozu and Mezu. The Zuijin are also associated with Dosojin, protector of crossroads and other boundary areas. Zuijin can also be described as guardians or protectors of people from evil spirits.

History

Zuijin (also called as zuishin) was a government official in Konoefu (近衛府, the Headquarters of the Inner Palace Guards) during and after the Heian period; zuijin followed nobles to guard them when they went out. Statues of Zuijin are often placed either side of shrine gates.

See also

References
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