Kurikara in Japanese Katana terminology
What is Kurikara in Japanese Katana terminology?
The term "Kurikara" (倶利伽羅, くりから) refers to a specific motif carved into the blade of a Japanese sword, depicting a dragon coiled around a sword. This design is associated with Fudo Myoo (不動明王), a wrathful deity in Buddhism who is a manifestation of Dainichi Nyorai (大日如来), tasked with subduing demons. In the world of Esoteric Buddhism (密教), Fudo Myoo is often represented in various forms, including religious tools. The dragon entwined around the sword symbolizes the evil or impure mind, while the sword represents Fudo Myoo. Thus, the Kurikara motif symbolizes the battle between these two entities.