Consider the life-sized Rakan statues with emotional expressions displayed at Jizou-ji. We are now standing before Jizou-ji. It is a temple with a rich history and serene atmosphere. Jizou-ji was founded in 821 by Kobo Daishi. He acted on the instruction of Emperor Saga.
Legend says Kobo Daishi carved a small statue. It was a 5.5 cm statue of Shogun Jizo Bosatsu. This statue was enshrined as the principal image. Three emperors became devotees of Jizou-ji. They were Emperor Saga, Emperor Junna and Emperor Nimei.
Jokan Shonin carved a statue of Enmei Jizo Bosatsu. He carved it from a sacred tree. Inside this statue was the Shogun Jizo Bosatsu. Kobo Daishi created it.
Many warlords donated to Jizou-ji. Minamoto no Yoritomo and Yoshitsune were among them. The Hachisuka family also contributed. These donations expanded the temple. There were 300 branch temples. Twenty-six sub-temples existed in Awa, Sanuki and Iyo. They commemorated high priests’ deaths.
In the Tensho period, Chosokabe Motochika burned all the temples in Awa. Jizou-ji was later renovated. Successive generations of monks helped. Benefactors also contributed to its restoration.
The temple grounds now cover 40,000 square meters. The Rakando, or Arhat Hall, was built in 1775. Originally, it housed 500 statues of arhats. A fire in 1915 destroyed many statues. Only around 200 remain today. These statues show various emotions.
An 800-year-old ginkgo tree stands on the grounds. It is believed to hold the history of Jizou-ji.
One highlight is the Gohyaku Rakan. These arhat statues show different emotions. They are displayed in Rakando. It is a short walk from Hondo. The entrance fee is 200 yen.
Another highlight is the Suikinkutsu. It is a water piano cave. It is located on the left after entering the temple gate. You can hear the clear tone of dripping water inside.
The temple also features a statue of Shogun Jizo Bosatsu and Awashimado.
Jizou-ji holds annual events like the Ogomaku. It is an outdoor Goma fire ritual. It takes place on the first Sunday in March.
Jizou-ji is also known as Temple 5. Its full name is Mujinzan Shogonin Jizoji. The denomination is Shingon sect, Omuroha. The HONZON are Enmei Jizo, Shogun Jizo and Buddha in Womb. The mantra of Jizo is “On Kakabi Sanma-ei Sowaka”.
Visiting Jizou-ji offers a journey through history. The temple’s highlights and serene environment create a memorable experience. Its enduring legacy is a testament to faith.