Nara City Tourism Association

"Koshin" represents the day of the Chinese zodiac sign "Kanoesaru = Koshin," and it occurs once every 60 days. In Taoism, it is believed that on this day, the evil insects known as Sanshi (三尸), which reside within the human body, will report the person's misdeeds to the Heavenly Emperor while they are sleeping. To prevent this, on the night of Koshin, people would gather and stay awake all night worshipping Shomen Kongo (also known as the Blue-faced Vajra, an Indian deity who protects against illness and disasters) and praying for the elimination of the Sanshi insects and good health.

Koshin-do Hall in Nara is a shrine where Shomen Kongo is worshipped (Koshin faith). It dates back to the Muromachi period (1338-1573), when much of Gangoji Temple was destroyed by fire. New houses were constructed on the scorched land, and the center of the current Naramachi was shaped (the current hall was rebuilt during the Heisei period, 1989-2019). 

Additionally, long ago, while a monk from Gangoji Temple was praying to ward off an epidemic, Shomen Kongo appeared, admired his sincerity, and promised to exorcise the disease. Soon, the disease was over. This day was said to be the "Koshin day" of the "Koshin month" of the "Koshin year." 

Amulets shaped like monkeys, regarded as the Shomen Kongo's messengers, were hung from the eaves of houses according to family composition as talismans to ward off evil. These were known as "Substitute Monkeys." Although the custom of staying up all night every 60 days has disappeared, the hanging substitute monkeys and Koshin worship still endure in every corner.