principal object of worship; main image; idol
Buddhist term for the central statue or image enshrined in a temple, usually a buddha or bodhisattva. Used in formal or religious contexts.
このお寺の御本尊は阿弥陀如来です。
The principal object of worship at this temple is Amida Nyorai.
the man himself; the central figure
Jocular, humorous use referring to the key person in a situation, as if they were the main object of worship. Often used in casual conversation or light-hearted writing.
やっと御本尊が登場した。
At last, the man himself appeared.
Standard kanji spelling with honorific prefix 御.
Common variant with kana honorific prefix ご.
From 御 (honorific prefix) + 本尊 (principal object of worship). The jocular sense is a metaphorical extension.