Battabara

Battabara 跋陀婆羅 (a.k.a. Bhadrapāla, Baddabara, Battabara bosatsu, Battabara sonja and Kengo Daishi) is the Japanese patron deity of baths and bathing. Originally a Buddhist monk from India, Battabara supposedly achieved enlightenment whilst entering the communal bath.[1][2][3]

Statuette of Battabara at the Musee Guimet

Figurines of Battabara are kept in bathrooms in Japanese Zen monasteries.[1]

References

  1. Michael Ashkenazi (1 January 2003). Handbook of Japanese Mythology. ABC-CLIO. pp. 123. ISBN 978-1-57607-467-1.
  2. Rossella Marangoni (2008). Zen. Mondadori Electa. p. 99.
  3. Asiatic Society of Japan (1964). Transactions. Yushodo Booksellers, ltd. p. 320.
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