Cow Festival - Ushimatsuri

This strange festival takes place at Osake Shrine in the grounds of Koryuji Temple in Uzumasa, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. On the night of the 12th of October (originally the 9th month of the lunar calendar), Matarajin (a god from India) wearing a unique mask rides a cow and parades around four times with the Four Heavenly Kings (red and blue demons dressed in white robes), carrying sacred lanterns, musicians, and torches. Afterwards, he reads a ritual text in a unique tune toward the Soshido Hall, and when he finishes, the god and demon rush into the hall. According to the shrine's legend, the festival dates back to when Eshin Sozu Genshin, who was searching for the true Amitabha Buddha in Anyang, worshiped the Amida Buddha in the Painted Hall of Koryuji Temple, held a chanting service, and invited the god Madara to pray for peace and prosperity for the nation and bountiful harvests.

[Minoru Sonoda]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

京都市右京区太秦(うずまさ)の広隆寺境内にある大避(おおさけ)神社の奇祭。10月（もとは旧暦9月）12日夜、神灯、囃子方(はやしかた)、松明(たいまつ)を先頭に、特異な面をつけた摩多羅神(またらじん)（インド伝来の神）が牛に乗って四天王（白装束の赤鬼、青鬼）とともに四周を練ったのち、祖師堂に向かって独特の節で祭文を読み、終わると神と鬼が堂内に駆け込む。社伝によると、祭りの起源は、安養界の真の無量寿仏を求めていた恵信僧都(えしんそうず)源信が広隆寺絵堂の阿弥陀(あみだ)如来を拝して念仏会を修し、摩多羅神を勧請(かんじょう)して国家安泰、五穀豊穣(ほうじょう)を祈祷(きとう)したのに始まるという。

［薗田　稔］

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