“River feeding” what does it mean? Here at Shorenji Temple or 正蓮寺 in Japanese, you will witness a unique ritual.正蓮寺 is a Buddhist temple of the Nichiren sect in Osaka.正蓮寺’s history stretches back to 1625. At that time, Nichiren Shobo built a small temple here. 正蓮寺 once consisted of seven halls. It was counted among Osaka’s 25 major temples. Fires and earthquakes led to its destruction. The current main hall dates back to 1874.
正蓮寺 is located on the north bank of the Shorenji River. The river’s name is derived from the temple. The “Kawa Segaki” or River Feeding ritual is performed every year on August 26th. It is designated as an intangible folk cultural asset of Osaka City.
Imagine colorful streamers and banners. Priests chant sutras. A boat carrying a statue of Nichiren and many wooden tablets makes its way from the Iwashimizu gate. Participants release the wooden tablets into the river together with the priests.
The River Feeding is dedicated to spirits suffering from hunger. Food is offered to these spirits. The ritual is believed to help oneself achieve enlightenment. The Kawa Segaki dates back to 1721. It is one of Japan’s three major Segaki rituals. The temple is also known for the graves of the Yamamura family. They were the discoverers of the Miyake well. You can also find the grave of Iwade An. He was famous for “Iwade Hada”.