釘貫地蔵尊 Stone

Whispers of healing surround the Kuginuki Jizo Stone. Here at Shakuzoji Temple, the Kuginuki Jizo, or “Nail-Pulling Jizo,” stands as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring search for relief. Kukai, the revered monk also known as Kobo Daishi, founded this temple in 819. He is said to have carved the Kuginuki Jizo Stone himself. The story of the Kuginuki Jizo begins with a merchant plagued by hand pain. He prayed to the Jizo Bodhisattva for healing. In a dream, the Jizo appeared and removed nails from the merchant’s hand. These nails symbolized the karmic suffering carried from a past life. The merchant awoke free from pain. News of this miraculous healing spread. People began calling the statue “Kunuki Jizo,” meaning “Pain-Removing Jizo.” Over time, the name evolved into “Kuginuki Jizo,” or “Nail-Pulling Jizo.” Look around the temple grounds. You’ll see a large statue of a nail puller at the entrance. The walls of the main hall are covered with votive tablets. These tablets, adorned with nails and nail pullers, are offerings of gratitude. They represent the countless individuals who have found solace and healing through the Kuginuki Jizo’s intercession. The Kuginuki Jizo Stone at Shakuzoji Temple offers more than just historical intrigue. It offers a connection to the enduring human desire for healing and relief from suffering.