Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva who embodies the mercy of all Buddhas. Here at Senso-ji Temple, you are standing before a testament to Tokyo’s rich history. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo and draws 30 million worshippers every year.
Let me share a captivating story that begins in the year 628. Two fishermen brothers, Hinokuma Hamanari and Takenari, were fishing in the Sumida River. Imagine their surprise when their net brought up not fish, but a golden statue. It was a statue of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy.
Haji no Nakatomo, the village headman of Asakusa, recognized the statue’s significance. He was deeply moved and devoted himself to Buddhism. Transforming his own house into a temple, he dedicated his life to worshipping Kannon. This marked the humble beginnings of Senso-ji.
In 645 AD, a Buddhist priest named Shokai arrived. He built a hall for Kannon. Following a divine revelation in a dream, Shokai decided to conceal the original Kannon statue. It has remained hidden from view ever since.
Asakusa was then a small fishing village. As word spread, more people came to worship here. Senso-ji grew in importance. Ennin, head priest of Enryaku-ji, visited in the mid-ninth century. He created a statue identical to the original. This statue was shown to the public on rare occasions.
During the Kamakura Period, the Shoguns showed great devotion to Senso-ji. Military leaders and prominent figures followed suit. In 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Senso-ji as a place of prayer for the shogunate. The belief in Kannon spread among the common people during the Edo Period.
As Edo grew into the world’s largest city between the 18th and 19th centuries, Asakusa became its cultural heart. Senso-ji played a central role in this flourishing culture. Even into modern times, Asakusa has remained a hub for theater, movies, music, and entertainment.
The principal image here at Senso-ji is the Sacred Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Kannon is known for compassion and answering prayers with benevolence. Kannon can appear in many forms.
The Main Hall was rebuilt in 1958 with donations from people all over Japan. Its dramatically sloping roof stands out. Inside, the Bodhisattva Kannon sits in a miniature temple.
Take a moment to appreciate the history and devotion that permeates this sacred space. Remember the fishermen. Remember the village headman. Remember the countless worshippers who have sought solace and blessings here at Senso-ji through the ages.