Ususama Myōō

Ususama Myōō (烏枢沙摩明王) is the wisdom king of purification, whose fire burns away all that is unclean, in the world and in the mind. He has a humble but telling place in Japanese life: Zen monasteries enshrine him in the washroom, where the practice of cleanliness becomes a form of devotion.

Japanese 烏枢沙摩明王, Ususama Myōō
Sanskrit Ucchuṣma
Rank Wisdom king
Recognise by Fierce face; hair rising like flame; four or six arms with vajra, sword and rope; a halo of fire
Invoked for Purification, protection in childbirth, warding off evil

Identifying Ususama

Ususama is a classic wrathful king, with one face, glaring eyes, fangs and hair that rises like a flame, usually with four or six arms. His attributes vary between traditions, and identification often depends on context: a fierce figure enshrined in a temple washroom or offered as a talisman for purity is almost certainly Ususama.

Ususama in the Zen temple

In Zen monasteries, the washroom, tōsu, is one of the three halls in which silence is kept, and Ususama's image or name is placed there. Monks bow to him before use. Talismans bearing his name are still offered to households for the toilet, a custom with roots in this practice.

Among the five kings

In the Tendai school, Ususama takes the northern place among the Godai Myōō, where Shingon places Kongōyasha. A Tendai set of five kings therefore includes him.

Collecting notes

  • Sculptures of Ususama are rare. Talismans, prints and small temple images are the usual forms.
  • Without context, his figure is easily confused with other kings. Inscriptions on the box or reverse are valuable evidence.

In the collection

Browse wisdom kings. Our collector concierge can search Japan for an Ususama image.

See also

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