Standing before 法輪寺, imagine a time long ago. Over 1,200 years ago to be precise. 法輪寺 stands as a testament to enduring faith.
法輪寺 is thought to have been built in 713. Monk Gyoki built it by order of Empress Genmei. Back then, it was known as Kazunoidera Temple. In 829, monk Doshō enshrined Kokūzō Bodhisattva here. The temple’s name officially changed to 法輪寺 in 868.
Members of the imperial family visited 法輪寺. Many monks who founded other Buddhist schools came here too. The temple buildings were destroyed in 1864. They were rebuilt later. 法輪寺 has a history spanning more than twelve centuries.
Doshō studied under Kūkai. Kūkai founded the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism. In 829, Kūkai told Doshō to train at 法輪寺. His training involved reciting the Kokūzō mantra. He needed to recite it 10,000 times each day for 100 days. Legend says that on the last day, a morning star fell. It burned the image of Kokūzō Bodhisattva into Doshō’s robes. Inspired by this, Doshō carved a statue of Kokūzō. He enshrined it as the temple’s primary image.
Doshō also built the Togetsukyō Bridge in Arashiyama. It was called 法輪寺 Bridge until about 300 years later. Until the mid-1800s, monks at 法輪寺 managed the bridge. They collected tolls. The money went to temple and bridge upkeep.
法輪寺 is not in Osaka. It is located in Kyoto.