“Did you know that the name of this temple changed because of a signature?” Today we are standing before Daijoji Temple. It is a Buddhist temple with a fascinating history.
Daijoji Temple’s story begins in 1593. It was founded by Shinren Shonin. The temple was first located in the north of Tenmantenjin. It sat near the former Myosho Pond.
Initially the temple was named Myoshozan Raikoji Enshoji Temple. Later the second head priest renamed it. He invited High Priest Banzui from Hyakumanben Chionji Temple. The temple’s name then changed to Myoshozan Raikoji Daijoji Temple. Daijoji is the short form of the name. This name change is linked to High Priest Banzui. He gifted the temple a calligraphy piece. It was his own signature of “Daienkyo-ji”.
Daijoji Temple has faced many challenges. Fires destroyed it twice in 1834 and 1837. It was rebuilt after each fire. In 1945, air raids during World War II destroyed all the temple buildings. The temple was then moved to its current location in 1960. Reconstruction of the main hall began in 1963.
Daijoji Temple is part of several pilgrimage circuits. It is number six on the Osaka Amida 48 pilgrimage. It is also part of the Osaka 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Furthermore it is number eight on the Japan Zenkoji 48 Pilgrimage.
The main deity of Daijoji Temple is a seated statue of Amida Buddha. The original statue was lost in the war. The current statue was moved from Anrakuji Temple in Hyogo Prefecture. Details about its creation remain unknown.
Daijoji Temple holds various treasures. These include calligraphy by Tsuchimikado Hisanobu. There is also a signed note by Emperor Gomyo. Additionally, there is a document by High Priest Banzui.
Throughout the year Daijoji Temple observes several events. These include spring and autumn equinox services. There are also Obon services. Furthermore they celebrate a Ghost Feeding Ceremony and the Ojuya service.
The sixth vow associated with Daijoji Temple is “heavenly eye”. This means that Amida can see everything. One can be reborn in the Pure Land. One who is reborn there has the ability to see all other Buddha lands.