Have you ever felt the weight of evil spirits pressing down? The \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa stands as a beacon. It is a refuge against such darkness. This ancient temple is widely known as the Kannon that wards off evil spirits.
Legend says that the monk Gyoki founded \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa in 744. Emperor Shomu requested its construction. At its peak, it was a large temple complex. It had seven halls and more than 130 monks’ quarters.
However, war took its toll. In 1585, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wars, fire consumed the temple. The current main hall dates back to 1811. It was rebuilt then. Despite the destruction, the principal image remains deeply revered. People see it as the Kannon Bodhisattva who wards off evil spirits.
The \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa holds a special tradition. It is called “Senbon Mochitsuki”. Gyoki started this event. He pounded rice cakes with wooden sticks to a song. Jurokudouji led him. They offered the cakes to the principal image. This celebrated the Kannon Bodhisattva’s appearance. This tradition continues even today.
Admission to \u6b63\u5149\u5bfa is free. You can easily reach it from Kaizuka Station on the Nankai Main Line. Transfer to the Mizuma Railway. Get off at Mizumakannon Station. From there, it is just a 10-minute walk. The address is 638 Mizuma, Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture.
Imagine the sounds of the Senbon Mochitsuki. Picture monks chanting ancient prayers. Feel the weight of history and the power of faith. The Kannon Bodhisattva watches over us. It protects us from evil.