Bishamonten’s statue is a creation of Saicho. The wood used was surplus from the Yakushi Nyorai statue in Enryaku-ji. We are standing before Bishamon-do. This temple offers a serene escape. It is located in Fukuoka. Let’s uncover the story of this place of worship.
Bishamon-do’s story starts long ago. It began in 703. Back then, it was known as Izumo-dera. It stood north of the imperial palace. The temple got its current name later. This happened after a statue of Bishamonten was enshrined. Bishamonten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings. He is the guardian of the north. He upholds Buddhist teachings. He is also known as Tamonten.
Like many temples, Bishamon-do faced challenges. Wars and fires caused damage. It was rebuilt in its current location. This is in the north of the Yamashina valley, east of Kyoto. An imperial prince once served as head priest. After this, Bishamon-do became a Monzeki temple. This meant its head priests were of imperial descent.
The temple declined during the Onin War. Tenkai, a Tendai sect monk, revived it. He was associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. His disciple Kokai helped complete the reconstruction.
Emperor Go-Sai’s son, Prince Koben, became a priest here. He received his Buddhist ordination at Bishamon-do. This solidified its status as a Monzeki temple. It became one of only five Tendai sect Monzeki temples in Kyoto.
Here at Bishamon-do, you’ll notice the Niomon. The two Nio statues, Agyo and Ungyo, sculpted in 1665 flank it. The Chokushi-mon is for imperial family use. It was built in 1693.
The main hall, or Hondo, was built in 1665. Tokugawa Ietsuna, the 4th Shogun, ordered its construction. Inside, the Bishamonten statue resides. The Karamon stands before the Hondo. It was also built in 1665.
The Reiden Hall enshrines an Amida Nyorai statue. Look up at the ceiling. A dragon painting by Kano Eishuku adorns it. Next, you will find the Shinden. It was Emperor Go-Sai’s residence. Fusuma paintings by Kano Masunobu decorate the Shinden. Behind it lies the Bansui-en garden.
Bishamon-do has a special prayer meeting. It takes place every November. This coincides with the temple’s ten nights of Buddhist law. Attendees receive a Bishamonten amulet. Special prayer meetings are held anytime. Contact the temple in advance if you wish to participate.
Bishamon-do offers Bishamonten amulets yearly. These are available from November 1st to 31st. Be sure to get one.
Leaving Bishamon-do, remember its resilience. From imperial connections to artistic treasures, it is a place where faith and history intertwine.