常源寺

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Osaka, Jigen-ji Temple, also known as Nozaki Kannon, whispers tales of resilience and devotion. Jigen-ji Temple stands at the foot of Mt. Iimori, a quiet sentinel amidst the urban clamor. It holds within its walls a story as captivating as the 11-faced statue of Kanzeon Bosatsu, or Kannon, that it enshrines. This Kannon statue, carved by the high priest Gyōki between 668 and 749, has witnessed centuries of change and upheaval. Imagine Jigen-ji Temple in 1565, engulfed in flames set by the soldiers of Miyoshi and Matsunaga. The temple was reduced to ashes, yet the Kannon statue miraculously survived, a testament to its enduring power. Years later, in 1616, priest Seigan rebuilt Jigen-ji Temple, breathing new life into the sacred space. During the Genroku and Hōei periods, from 1688 to 1710, pilgrimages to Nozaki Kannon became a cherished tradition, known as “Nozaki Mairi.” The temple’s fame resonated through the arts, appearing in works like Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s Onnakoroshi Abura no Jigoku and Chikamatsu Hanji’s Shinpan Uta Zaimon. Even the comedic art of rakugo embraced the tale of “Nozaki Mairi,” further cementing Jigen-ji Temple’s place in popular culture. Tarō Shōji’s poignant song “Nozaki-kouta” immortalized the tragic love story of Osome and Hisamatsu, forever linked to the temple’s legacy. Jigen-ji Temple’s location, once accessible by boat, even fostered a playful tradition. Those arriving by boat and those by land would engage in verbal sparring, believing that victory would bring a year of happiness. Today, the spirit of Nozaki Mairi lives on. Every year, from May 1st to 10th, the path from Nozaki Station to Jigen-ji Temple transforms into a vibrant fair, welcoming over 200,000 pilgrims and visitors. Jigen-ji Temple also safeguards other treasures. Among them are the “Shaka Nehan Zu,” a painting of Shakyamuni Buddha in nirvana, and a stone monument etched with a poem by the renowned Matsuo Bashō. As you stand before Jigen-ji Temple, remember the echoes of history, resilience, and the enduring power of faith that permeate its sacred grounds.