慈願寺

Gazing up at Jigen-ji, can you sense the echoes of history? This temple, nestled at the foot of Mount Iimori in Daitō, Osaka, is also known as Nozaki Kannon. Jigen-ji holds a special place in the hearts of many, renowned for its magnificent 11-faced statue of Kanzeon Bosatsu, or Kannon. Legend whispers that the statue was carved by the revered high priest Gyōki, who lived from 668 to 749. Jigen-ji’s history is marked by both tragedy and resilience. In 1565, the temple was tragically consumed by flames, set ablaze by the soldiers of Miyoshi and Matsunaga. Yet, miraculously, the Kannon statue emerged unscathed. Like a phoenix from the ashes, Jigen-ji was reborn in 1616, thanks to the dedicated efforts of priest Seigan. During the Genroku and Hōei periods, from 1688 to 1710, pilgrimages to Nozaki Kannon, known as “Nozaki Mairi,” blossomed into a cherished tradition. This pilgrimage became deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, even finding its way into popular entertainment. Plays like Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s “Onnakoroshi Abura no Jigoku” and Chikamatsu Hanji’s “Shinpan Uta Zaimon” captured the essence of these spiritual journeys. Even rakugo, a form of traditional Japanese comedic storytelling, embraced the theme with a performance titled “Nozaki Mairi.” The poignant love story of Osome and Hisamatsu, immortalized in Tarō Shōji’s song “Nozaki-kouta,” added another layer of meaning to the pilgrimage. Imagine pilgrims approaching Jigen-ji by boat, a common practice in the past when the area was connected by water. A playful rivalry arose between those arriving by boat and those by land, with a popular belief that winning a verbal spar would bestow happiness for the entire year. Today, the pilgrimage tradition continues to thrive. Every year, from May 1st to 10th, the path from Nozaki Station to Nozaki Kannon transforms into a vibrant fair, drawing over 200,000 pilgrims and visitors. Jigen-ji’s treasures extend beyond the Kannon statue. A painting called “Shaka Nehan Zu,” depicting Shakyamuni Buddha in nirvana, is housed within the temple walls. A stone monument inscribed with a poem by the renowned poet Matsuo Bashō further enriches Jigen-ji’s cultural significance. As you stand before Jigen-ji, remember the resilience of the Kannon statue and the enduring power of faith and tradition.