Gazing upon this serene space, can you believe that Jisho-in has stood for over eight centuries? This Shingon Buddhist temple offers more than meets the eye. Let’s delve into the story of Jisho-in Temple.
Over 800 years ago, a commander worshipped in Honhaneda. This area is now part of Ota City Ward in Tokyo. Back then, Yagumo Jinja shrine existed. It has since been renamed Haneda Shrine. Jisho-in Temple sits right next to it. While the shrine attracts many, the temple holds its own unique charm.
Originally, the temple honored Gozu-tenno. This ox-headed deity was believed to control pestilence. People visited Jisho-in seeking protection from illness. But a government decree shook things up. The Shinbutsu Bunri in the mid-late 19th century legally separated Buddhist and Shinto practices. Before this, they had coexisted peacefully.
Tokugawa Iseda, who later became the 13th Tokugawa shogun, once visited. He prayed to Gozu-tenno for a cure from smallpox. It seemed his prayers worked. He recovered. Word of this divine recovery spread quickly. Soon, many sick people flocked to Jisho-in hoping for healing.
Today, Jisho-in is well-maintained though not overly large. Despite being a Buddhist temple, the pine trees create a Shinto feel. Imagine a shimenawa straw rope around a trunk. This completes the scene. It blends both religious atmospheres.
As you enter, you might notice a small stone gardener statue. It stands guard at the gate. The statue adds a human touch to the temple’s serious atmosphere. It makes Jisho-in an interesting stop while visiting Haneda Shrine. Jisho-in offers a unique blend of history, religion, and art.