“A blood-soaked blade washed in a pond” sounds like the beginning of a horror story. But it is a significant fact that leads us to Zuimatsu Temple. This temple is also known as Zuisho-ji.
Zuimatsu Temple is a Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-派 temple. It is located in Osaka City. More precisely it is in the Higashiyodogawa district.
The temple was founded by the priest Myodo Wajo. He is said to be a descendant of Masashige Kusunoki. The temple’s mountain name Taryuchi-san comes from a story. It tells of Kiyomori Taira who killed his uncle. He washed his blood-stained sword in a nearby pond. This pond is now part of Komatsu Park.
The temple was rebuilt in 1759. That was in the ninth year of the Horeki era.
Until the early Showa period Zuimatsu Temple sold a popular medicine. It was known nationwide as “Shishi no Ikidashi”. The story goes that a badger was chased by villagers. The badger ran into the temple. The priest hid it. In return the badger taught him a formula for skin disease medicine. This medicine was called “Shishi no Ikidashi”. It became very popular. People came from far away to buy it.
The temple is associated with various groups. These include the Bukkyo Seinenkai. That is a Buddhist Youth Association. There is also the Bukkyo Fujinkai. This is a Buddhist Women’s Association. They also have a children’s association.
Zuimatsu Temple is open from 9 am to 5 pm. You can reach it. Take a short walk from various stations. These are Kamishinjo Station and Suita Station. You can also reach it from the Suikodaimemachi bus stop.
So remember Zuimatsu Temple. It is a place with a history. It involves badgers and ancient killings. It’s a unique part of Osaka’s cultural heritage.