袈裟塚の耳無不動

Hidden within the peaceful sanctuary of Mitakesa Shrine, the Kesakasa no Miminashi Fudō awaits discovery. This unassuming stone statue, tucked away in Tokyo’s Arakawa Ward, holds a captivating tale of love, loss, and divine intervention. The Miminashi Fudō, meaning “earless Fudo,” at Kesakasa Shrine, was erected in memory of a ninth-generation priest of the Konko-in Temple, Koei. Local lore whispers of a tragic love affair between Koei and a courtesan named Beniyama from Yoshiwara. Their forbidden romance ended in heartbreak, leading Koei to fall gravely ill, losing both his ears and his sanity. In his despair, Koei sought solace in prayer and received a divine message to create a stone statue of himself. He buried his own clothes beneath the statue, dedicating it to the well-being of the villagers. This act of selflessness gave birth to the Miminashi Fudō. Kesakasa Shrine’s earless Fudō quickly became a place of pilgrimage. People suffering from ear ailments believed that offering prayers to the statue would bring them relief. The statue’s fame extended beyond the local community, inspiring playwright Santō Kyōden to feature the tale in his comedic play, “Santoshima Mimizuku no Ki.” This play further cemented the story of Koei and Beniyama in local folklore. The Miminashi Fudō statue, relocated to Mitakesa Shrine from its original location near the Konko-in Temple gate, sits upon a pedestal. The pedestal, inscribed with characters and symbols, bears witness to its history. The earless Fudō statue remains a fascinating point of interest within Mitakesa Shrine. It serves as a reminder of a tragic love story and the enduring power of faith and folklore.