Later on, the interpretation that Kujaku Myoo performs the pious act of accomplishing Buddhism by eating poisonous living matter, in other words by eating the three kleshas that poison the heart of man (desire, ill will and ignorance), which symbolize the bonno (earthly desires) of human beings that had become prevalent; there are many sects that chant Shingon (mantra) of Kujaku Myoo at the rite as a charm against evil spirits.
後年になると孔雀明王は毒を持つ生物を食べる＝人間の煩悩の象徴である三毒（貪り・嗔り・痴行）を喰らって仏道に成就せしめる功徳がある仏という解釈が一般的になり、魔を喰らうことから大護摩に際して除魔法に孔雀明王の真言を唱える宗派も多い。