Shigisan Shogosonji Temple

Shigisan Shogosonji Temple is a Buddhist temple on Mt. Shigi in Nara Prefecture that was founded by the Imperial Prince Shotoku Taishi more than 1400 years ago. Shotoku Taishi is said to have stopped by at Mt. Shigi on his way to fight the Mononobe clan and prayed for victory in battle. According to legend, the heavenly king Bishamonten (Vaisravana) appeared before him to teach him the secret to win the battle. After achieving victory, Shotoku Taishi is said to have founded the temple in devotion to the mountain's mysterious connection to the heavenly king. The tiger is an important symbol of Shogosonji Temple because of the auspicious timing of Bishamonten's alleged appearance, it was during the year of the tiger, on the day of the tiger, during the hour of the tiger.