Isn’t it astonishing how temples can move through time? Myorenji Temple, known as Matsugasaki Daikokuten, stands before us now. It has a story of moves and transformations to tell.
Founded in 1294 by Nichizo, a grandchild of Nichiren, the temple first settled here in 1587. But before that, it moved several times. Imagine the dedication it took to preserve this sacred space.
Myorenji Temple is officially known as Myoenji. Locals call it Matsugasaki Daikokuten after its location. It’s a special place dedicated to Daikokuten. He is one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods. He represents wealth, good fortune and business success.
Look closely. You’ll notice Daikokuten’s attributes. He carries a bag and a mallet. The mallet is known as the Uchide no Kozuchi. It is said to grant wishes when waved.
Step inside the Daikokuten Hall. There is a statue of a cow called the “Nadeushi”. Stroke it to relieve your aches and pains.
Saicho, founder of the Tendai Sect, painted a portrait of Daikoku that is enshrined in the hall. The portrait is known as the “Kachu-shutsugen Hibuse-shugo no Daikoku-sama”. It means Daikoku appeared from flames and protects from fire.
In 1969, a fire burned down the hall. However, the portrait remained undamaged. Locals revere this portrait and many people visit from far and wide.
Myorenji Temple’s garden features a unique stone arrangement. It’s called the Sixteen Arhats Stone Garden. Also, the garden contains stones shaped like lions and elephants.
Notice the camellia trees in Myorenji Temple. Ieyasu Tokugawa admired them. The temple is also known as Red Myorenji Temple. It’s called this because of the red camellias. They bloom from November to late March.
Every 60 days, the Koshi Festival takes place here. People pray for their wishes to come true. You can also get a gohei for 1,000 yen. It is a staff with plaited paper. It brings longevity, good fortune, good luck and health.
The temple stores valuable cultural assets. These include screen paintings by the Kano school artists.
Remember the Gozan Okuribi Festival. It takes place every August 16th. The mountains behind Myorenji Temple are sites for the fires. Fires light up the characters for Myo and Ho. They guide the souls of ancestors to the otherworld.
Myorenji Temple offers a serene escape. It blends history, art and spiritual significance. Take a moment to appreciate the temple’s journey through time.