“Hungry demons haunt the riverbanks” is what they say about the Shorenji Temple. Today we are standing before the Shorenji Temple. It is a Nichiren sect temple. The temple is on the north bank of the Shorenji River. The Nakatsu River flows into it.
Shoren Nichiho built a small hermitage here in 1625. This marked the beginning of the Shorenji Temple. In ancient times the Shorenji Temple had a Shichido temple. It was one of Osaka’s 25 distinguished temples. Fire and an earthquake destroyed it. The current main hall dates from 1874.
Now, let’s talk about Kawasegaki. This is held on August 26th every year. Five-colored streamers are erected. Gendaiki flags wave in the wind. A mikoshi carries a standing statue. This statue represents Nichiren Saint. Numerous Buddhist scriptures also feature. The flotilla carries the sacred stone. It proceeds from the Denpo water gate to the Yodogawa River.
The doshi chants sutras here. Mourners float the sutra down the river. This is a Buddhist ritual. People pray for the fulfillment of Buddhist training. They offer food and drink to unrelated spirits. These spirits suffer from hunger and thirst. They are on the path of hungry demons.
The Kawasegaki started in 1721. It is one of Japan’s three major Segaki rituals. Osaka City designated it as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The Kawasegaki was an annual mass. It was for the repose of the dead in the Shorenji river. It was so crowded with faithful people. There were as many as spectators in Tenjin Matsuri Funatogyo.
The Shorenji Temple was founded in Kanei 2nd year. That is 1625. Shoren Nippo lived in a small heritage. Once this temple had seven regular buildings. It was among the 25 distinguished temples in Osaka. But later those buildings perished. This was due to fire and earthquake. Thus remains a main building founded in the 7th year of Meiji.
Today the Kawasegaki is held in the Yodogawa river. It takes place on August 26th. Remember the story of the Shorenji Temple. Think of the hungry demons and the flowing river. This temple’s history flows like the river.