Nine statues beckon. Welcome to Joshinji Temple. This isn’t just any temple in Tokyo. Joshinji Temple holds a rich history. It stands on the former site of Okusawa Castle a stronghold of the Kira clan. The Sengoku period saw the castle’s destruction. Shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna then granted this land to the Jodo sect. In 1678 Kaseki a priest built Joshinji Temple.
The temple’s name Kuhonbutsu means nine items. It refers to nine Amida Buddha statues. These statues are housed in three halls. Each hall displays three statues in varying postures. The postures symbolize the nine levels of rebirth in the Pure Land. The lower halls feature more mundane poses. The upper halls show more sacred ones. Kaseki and his disciple Kaoku skillfully crafted these golden statues.
Joshinji Temple’s layout reflects the Pure Land tradition. The grounds cover 3600 tsubo or 12000 square meters. This mirrors Amida Buddha’s 36 votes. The Three Buddha Halls have 36 columns in total. The distance between the Jubon-do and the Main Hall is precisely 36 ken or 76.2 meters. These precise measurements are a testament to the temple’s meticulous design.
The Main Hall Ryogo-den is impressive. It’s a 20-meter tall and 20-meter wide structure. A copper-plated hip roof covers it. Inside a 2.81-meter-tall Gautama Buddha statue stands. The original statue by Kaseki was destroyed by fire in 1748. A replacement was installed in 1760. The temple also boasts a magnificent ginkgo tree a Cultural Heritage site. It’s over 700 years old a silent witness to centuries of devotion.
The Founder’s Hall houses a statue of Kaseki. Tradition holds it protects against misfortune and ensures safe childbirth. The Kannon Hall is dedicated to Kannon. Thirty-three statues representing Kannon’s manifestations surround the building. The temple’s gates also hold significance. The Somon gate displays the temple’s name. A plaque references the Pratyutpanna-samadhi sutra. This sutra contains early references to Amida Buddha and his Pure Land. The Niomon gate built in 1793 stands on a stone platform. It houses statues of Amida Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The bell tower erected in 1708 is adorned with carvings and sculptures.
Joshinji Temple is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living testament to history art and devotion. It’s a captivating blend of architecture and spirituality in the heart of Tokyo. So take a moment breathe in the peaceful atmosphere and let the story of Joshinji Temple resonate within you.