Komainu un-gyō参道狛犬 吽形/ Seimei jinja / Kyoto

sketchfab

A majestic sandō komainu stands guard at the entrance of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. Its sacred duty is to ward off evil spirits and protect the sanctuary or temple from harm. Typically, these lion-dogs appear in pairs, although they can be found alone on rare occasions. The term "sandō" refers to the area outside a temple, while "un-gyō" means closed mouth - a distinctive feature of this particular type of komainu. In contrast, its counterpart, agyō, has an open mouth. This sandō komainu is characterized by a striking horn protruding from its head and can be classified as a Kaichi, also known as a "devil dog". Located in the historic city of Kyoto, this magnificent creature can be found at the SEIMEI jinja shrine, situated in the Kamigyo Ward. Visitors can find it at 〒602-8222 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Horikawa-dori Itchome-agaru, Warimichi 806. For more information about this incredible shrine and its guardian, please visit http://www.seimeijinja.jp/.