Did you know that Ekō-in temple has a history stretching back to 1657? Today we will explore this special temple. Ekō-in is closely connected to sumo wrestling. It is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple in Ryōgoku Tokyo.
Ekō-in’s formal name is Shōshūzan Muen-ji Ekō-in. This reflects its founding principle. It spreads Amida Buddha’s benevolence to all souls. This includes all living creatures.
Let’s step back in time. On March 2 1657 the Great Fire of Meireki devastated Edo now Tokyo. It killed about 100000 people. Shōgun Tokugawa Ietsuna wanted to honor the victims. Many had no surviving relatives. He ordered the construction of the Banninzuka. This was a Mound of a Million Souls. A great memorial service was held. Jun’yo Jōjin of Zōjō-ji conducted it.
At the same time a temple was built for prayers to Amida Buddha. This was the origin of Ekō-in. Today Ekō-in offers a resting place for any soul without relatives. This includes victims of disasters prisoners and even animals.
Ekō-in became a sumo wrestling venue during the Edo and Meiji periods. The kanjin-zumō took place here. This charity fund-raising event was permitted by the Tokugawa shogunate. It marks the origin of today’s professional sumo. The first event was in September 1768.
From October 1833 to 1909 all tournaments were held at Ekō-in. This 76-year period is known as the time of “Ekō-in sumo”. A large temporary facility was built for the sumo matches. It stood next to the temple.
In 1909 tournaments moved to the original Ryōgoku Kokugikan. This modern arena was in the temple precincts. It held 13000 spectators. People nicknamed it the Great Iron Umbrella. This increased sumo’s popularity. Tournaments could now be held regardless of weather.
Also within the precincts is the Chikara-zuka. This is a “power mound”. The Sumo Association built it in 1937. It serves as a memorial to past wrestlers. Apprentice wrestlers now come here to pray for strength.
After World War II sumo tournaments moved to various venues in Tokyo. They then moved to the Kuramae Kokugikan arena. In 1985 they returned to the Ryōgoku district. The current Ryōgoku Kokugikan arena is only 400 meters from Ekō-in.
Several famous people are buried at Ekō-in. These include Takemoto Gidayū a Jōruri chanter. Santō Kyōden an artist of the Edo period is also here. Nezumi Kozō a thief and folk hero rests here too.
The Nenbutsudo devotional hall is a recent addition. It was constructed in 2013. It blends traditional and contemporary styles.
Ekō-in stands as a testament to history. It connects to sumo wresting. It honors the deceased. It offers solace to the forgotten. Take a moment to appreciate its enduring legacy.