A skeletal figurine
Statuette of Battabara at the Musee Guimet

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]

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

References

  1. ^ a b 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. ISBN 9788837054397.
  3. ^ Asiatic Society of Japan (1964). Transactions. Yushodo Booksellers, ltd. p. 320.
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