noun
Gozu Tenno; deity identified with Gavagriva
A syncretic deity in Japanese Buddhism, originally derived from the Indian god Gavagriva. Often associated with protection against epidemics.
牛頭天王は祇園精舎の守護神とされる。
Gozu Tenno is considered the guardian deity of Jetavana monastery.
From the Indian deity Gavagriva, incorporated into Japanese Buddhism and later syncretized with native Shinto beliefs.