“A tragic love story echoes within these walls”. That’s what they say about Daichoji Temple.
Daichoji Temple stands before us. It is a serene space amidst Osaka’s vibrant cityscape. This temple offers more than just spiritual solace. It holds within its grounds a poignant tale of love and devotion.
Let’s step back to 1605. Sako Takakazu a member of the Mori clan founded Daichoji Temple. He wished to honor his great grandfather Mori Sadaharu. The temple’s formal name is Kawamukayama Shoko-in Daichoji. Its principal image is Amida Nyorai.
Originally Daichoji Temple was located near the current Fujita Museum of Art. In the Meiji era a businessman named Fujita Denzaburo bought the land. Daichoji Temple then moved to its present location.
Daichoji Temple is linked to the tragic love story of Koharu and Jihei. These lovers are immortalized in Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s play “Shinju Tenno Amijima”. The play tells of Jihei a paper shop owner and Koharu a courtesan. Their love was forbidden. They committed suicide together at Tennoji.
Inside Daichoji Temple is a memorial mound for Koharu and Jihei. This monument commemorates their tragic love. It also moved to the present site.
The story goes that on October 14 1720 Jihei and Koharu secretly met at Daichoji Temple. They were attending a religious service. Leaving behind a suicide note they ended their lives.
Chikamatsu Monzaemon immortalized their story. He wrote “Shinju Tenno Amijima” shortly after their deaths. This made Daichoji Temple a site of pilgrimage for those touched by their tale.
During an opening ceremony in 1774 their suicide note was revealed. It is now considered a temple treasure.
There is also a monument to Ryugu. This monument honors a large ray caught by a fisherman. The eighth head priest gave the ray a Buddhist name.
Daichoji Temple suffered damage during the Osaka air raids of 1945. The main hall burned down. It was rebuilt in 1971.
Today Daichoji Temple continues to be a place of remembrance. It is a place of reflection. It reminds us of the enduring power of love. It also reminds us of the tragedies that can arise from its constraints. As you leave Daichoji Temple remember Koharu and Jihei. Remember their devotion. Remember the stories temples can tell.