“Is it really him resting here?” That’s the question many ask when they visit Renkō-ji. Renkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It may hold the ashes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He was an Indian revolutionary. These ashes have been kept here since September 18 1945.
The small temple was founded in 1594. It was inspired by the God of Wealth and Happiness. Renkō-ji belongs to the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. This sect believes salvation is only in the Lotus Sutra.
The G.D. Khosla Commission investigated Bose’s death. The Indian Government appointed it in 1970. The commission reported that Bose’s ashes were placed in a box in Taipei. This happened after his cremation. Bose died at Taihoku Army Hospital on August 18 1945. The ashes came to Renkō-ji for a funeral ceremony. Rev. Mochizuki agreed to keep them safe. He was the father of the current Chief Monk. Bose’s funeral was held at 8:00 p.m. on September 18 1945.
Netaji’s associates remember his death every year on August 18. They gather at Renkō-ji. Indian officials in Japan often visit Renkō-ji. They offer prayers to Bose at the pagoda. The pagoda protects his remains. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first to visit in October 1957. He was followed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Indira Gandhi visited in 1969. Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited as Foreign Minister. He returned as Prime Minister in 2001. Jaswant Singh visited in 2000 as Minister of External Affairs.
Bose’s ashes rest in a small golden pagoda inside Renkō-ji.
However, controversy surrounds the ashes. The Justice Mukherjee Commission said Bose did not die in a plane crash. Therefore, the ashes at Renkō-ji are not his. The Indian Government rejected these findings. Narendra Modi did not visit Renkō-ji when requested.
Despite the controversy many believe Renkō-ji holds Netaji’s ashes. They come to pay their respects to the Indian hero. Whether the ashes are truly his or not Renkō-ji remains a place of remembrance. It stands as a symbol of the connection between Japan and India. It is a place where history and spirituality meet.