“Overcome illness” and “pass away evil spirits” is what some people say about Koshindo’s blessings. Right here we are at the Shitennoji Koshindo. It is a special place in Osaka. This is believed to be the first place in Japan where Koshin-son appeared.
Shitennoji Koshindo has a long history. Legend says that in 701, a deity named Shomenkongodoji appeared here. This deity ended a terrible epidemic. Because of this, people began to worship the Koshin faith here.
Inside Shitennoji Koshindo, the main image is the blue-faced Kongo-doji. This is a secret Buddha. Koshin Day is very important here. It falls on the seventh day of the New Year. People believe that if you pray to the main image on Koshin Day your wishes will come true. The day before Koshin is also special. It is called Yoi Koshin.
The Hatsukoshin festival is the grandest event. The Daihannya Tendokukai is held the day before. On Koshin Day, the Saito Daigomaku takes place. During the Koshin festival, you will see shops selling things like Kitamaki Konnyaku. The area becomes very crowded.
Now let’s delve into the Koshin belief. This belief has Taoist origins but is influenced by Shinto, Buddhism, and local customs. A key event is Koshin-ko. This event happens every 60 days according to the Chinese sexagenary cycle. On these days, believers stay awake. They do this to stop Sanshi from leaving their bodies. Sanshi are entities that live inside people. They report people’s deeds to the god Tentei.
The Koshin belief became popular during the Edo period. Commoners began to celebrate with festivities and cultic activities. People worshipped deities like Shomen-Kongo. This fearsome deity has many arms. People hoped Shomen-Kongo would make the Sanshis ill. This would prevent them from reporting to Tentei.
Even today, some people still believe in Koshin. Many Koshin-to have been moved to temples or homes. But some still stand along roads. Maintained Koshin-do halls are sometimes attached to temples or stand alone.
At Shitennoji Koshindo, there is a shrine called San En-do. Three stone monkeys are enshrined here. One covers its eyes. Another covers its ears. The third covers its mouth. These monkeys teach us not to act against our conscience.
Some people eat konnyaku while facing north on Koshin day. This is to invite good fortune. If you have any painful areas, it is said they will instantly heal if you receive Sansarudo’s blessings here.
Visiting Shitennoji Koshindo offers a glimpse into a unique part of Japanese folk belief. It shows how ancient traditions continue to influence people’s lives today.