Gazing upon Aizen-in Temple you may wonder about its story. Aizen-in is a Kōya-san Shingon temple. It stands in Itano, Tokushima Prefecture in Japan. Aizen-in Temple is rich in history.
Let’s step back to its founding. Kōbō Daishi founded Aizen-in Temple in 815. He also carved the main image. That image is of Fudō Myōō. Aizen-in Temple is on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. It sits just 2km from Dainichi-ji temple.
Another Aizen-in Temple exists in Osaka. This Aizen-in is known as Shomanin Aizendo. Locals affectionately call it Aizen-san. This temple dates back to 593 C.E. Prince Shotoku built Shitenno-ji Temple then. He also built seven shrines to protect it called Shichi-Gu. Four temples provided social welfare. These were known as Shiko-In. Seyaku-in later became Shoman-in. It was the precursor to Aizen-do. The temple grew in popularity. It became known as Aizen-do. This name honors the deity Aizen Myouou enshrined there.
Aizen-do in Osaka burned down. This happened during the Ishiyama War. Tokugawa Hidetada rebuilt it. He was the second shogun of the Edo Period. Aizen-do’s hondo enshrines Aizen Myouou. Aizen Myouou turns worldly desires into self-realization. You can only see Aizen-myouou on special occasions. These occasions include Aizen Matsuri or New Year’s Day.
Aizen-do has a unique prayer method. First, take a special paper. You find it near the collection box. Write down your hopes and wishes. Hold the paper high. Lift it above your nose. Chant “Un, Shicchi, Sowaka” seven times. Then, put the paper and money in the collection box.
Near the entrance is an Aizen Katsura tree. Chinese trumpet vines drape around it. The vines embrace the tree like lovers. It symbolizes en-musubi. This represents romantic destiny. The pagoda behind the hondo is special. It is the oldest building in Osaka City. Hideyoshi rebuilt the pagoda in 1597. It has remained intact since then.
Inside the pagoda is a rare statue. It is a 12-armed Buddha. The statue is called Dainichi-Daishou-Kongo-Son. Hideyoshi commissioned it. He enshrined it in the pagoda in 1597. The pagoda doors stay closed. They only open during Aizen Matsuri.
Aizen Matsuri is Osaka’s oldest summer festival. It occurs from June 30th to July 2nd. It is one of Osaka’s three big summer festivals. The others are Tenjin Matsuri and Sumiyoshi Matsuri.
Shoman-in is affiliated with the Tendai Buddhist school. It is known as Aizen-do or “Aizen-san”. Kukai introduced esoteric Buddhism. The Kondo became dedicated to Aizen Myo-o. Shoman-in is a branch temple of Shitenno-ji. It starts the Saigoku Aizen Seventeen-Temple Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage links 17 temples. These temples are dedicated to Aizen Myo-o. They span across many prefectures. Shoman-in’s Tahoto is Osaka City’s oldest wooden structure.
Historical records trace Shoman-in’s origin. It began as Seyaku-in. Prince Shotoku established it in 593. The temple complex faced destruction. It was rebuilt consistently. The Ishiyama Battle caused destruction. This battle was between Oda Nobunaga and the Osaka Hongan-ji Temple.
Devotees pray to Aizen Myo-o. They seek blessings for matchmaking. They also seek successful marriages and marital harmony. Aizen’s Sacred Water brings luck in love. People visit this spot. They hope to realize their heartfelt wishes. The novelist Matsutarō Kawaguchi lived nearby. The Aizen Katsura tree inspired his work. Couples who express their love here will overcome obstacles. They will find happiness together.
Each Aizen-in Temple holds unique treasures. They offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich spiritual past. Whether in Tokushima or Osaka, the temples’ stories echo through time.