Here, a wish takes the form of a colorful ball. Kongoji Temple is a place where desires are tied, not spoken. This temple passes on the Chinese Kōshin religion. It is one of three Kōshin temples in Japan.
Kongoji Temple has an interesting custom. At most temples and shrines, you write wishes on ema. These are wooden tablets often with a horse picture. However at Kongoji Temple you write your wish on a kukuri-zaru. It looks like a round colorful ball.
The kukuri-zaru behave as they desire. They are said to be good-luck charms. They restrain the hearts of selfish people. You hold back from one desire. You offer your kukuri-zaru to Shōmen Kongō. Shōmen Kongō is the deity at Kongoji Temple. It is said that your desire will then come true.
The word Kōshin is made of two characters. The first refers to a rat. The second refers to a monkey. The Kōshin religion is based on Chinese Taoism. It preaches about bugs inside one’s body. This religion includes customs and beliefs from Buddhism Shinto and Japanese folk beliefs.
Kongōji Temple in Kyoto is famous for its colorful tied monkeys. Many people want to take photos here. The temple is right in front of Yasaka Pagoda. It is close to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Kongoji Temple is a small Jodo-shu sect temple. Its main hall dates from the Edo Period. The temple’s founding is thought to be by the priest Gyoki. He lived during the Nara Period of the 8th century. The temple had a wooden statue of the Amida Buddha. It was badly damaged in the Onin War. Only the head survived.
Kongoji was restored later. The statue’s head was brought here in 1602. This was at the beginning of the Edo Period. In 1713 the statue’s body was recarved. The Main Hall dates from 1730.
Kongoji Temple has a small neat garden. It is slightly hidden in the back streets of the Okazaki area. The temple stages local events. These include “Taichi + Tea” and food festivals.
So as you wander through Kongoji remember the colorful balls. Think of the wishes tied within them. Consider the unique way this temple blends traditions. May your own desires find their way to fulfillment.