This ema (絵馬) comes from Kinpusen-ji (金峯山寺), a revered temple nestled in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, and a central site of Shugendō (修験道)—a syncretic mountain religion blending Shinto, Esoteric Buddhism (mainly Shingon), and ancient animistic practices. The temple's name "金峯山" (Kinpu or Kinmine) means "Golden Peak," symbolizing both its spiritual elevation and mountainous location.
The ema features an artistic rendering of the temple’s main building, the Zao-do Hall (蔵王堂)—a massive wooden structure and national treasure. The hall enshrines the fearsome blue deity Zao Gongen (蔵王権現), the principal figure of Shugendō, revered for protecting practitioners and granting worldly benefits such as healing, safety, and prosperity.
This ema plaque serves both as a prayer token and talisman, typically hung by pilgrims and visitors who write wishes for health, success, safety, or spiritual protection. The stamp 金運出世守 (“luck in money and career advancement”) highlights its role as a charm for prosperity and personal growth.
