Damyōryū

Damyōryū [禅权让; だみょうりゅう] is a Kiren deity who traditionally takes the form of a dragon, but may also appear as a human male. He is the leader of the earthly gods [bakōgami] and the guardian of the Shinodami, a great bridge which connects the celestial realm of Kumoshino with the human world of Heibaku. His name literally means 'bridge-guarding dragon', but he is also known as Ryūyagami, Ōryū, or Damyōgami. According to the Kanna Daiki, he is the husband of Reishingami.
Damyōryū is a symbol of strength, wisdom guidance and good judgement. As he is responsible for deciding who may pass on the Heavenly Bridge, he has the power to read the heart of any being, god or human, and see its true intention and nature. He is considered the patron spirit of scholars and teachers, but is also thought to favour those who seek to broaden their minds through knowledge. Most famously enshrined at the Ōsōryū Temple, he is also worshipped at over 4,000 other sites across the country.
According to some legends, Damyōryū had many liasons with human women and fathered many children, who went on to create their own clans on Earth. Most notably, the Shin clan of Saka Prefecture claimed to have their origins in Damyōryū.
In humanoid depictions, Damyōryū is often portrayed as a stern-faced, solemn man with flowing hair and a full beard. His face is heavily lined, implying sagacity, and he is dressed in very plain yet multi-layered robes, a traditional symbol of intelligence or wisdom. It is more common to see Damyōryū portrayed in his dragon form, however. Kantonese schools, libraries and other places of learning or knowledge will often be decorated with dragon symbols in reference to this revered deity.
Category:Deities