Aizendo Shomanin愛染堂勝鬘院
Shoman-in, a temple affiliated with the Japanese Tendai Buddhist school, is situated in Tennoji-ku, Osaka City. It is commonly known as Aizen-do or "Aizen-san" due to its primary deity, Aizen Myo-o (Ragaraja). During the Heian period, when Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) introduced esoteric Buddhism to Japan, the Kondo (main hall) was consecrated to Aizen Myo-o (Ragaraja) as its principal deity. Shoman-in operates as a branch temple of Shitenno-ji and holds a significant place as the initial stop on the Saigoku Aizen Seventeen-Temple Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey linking 17 temples dedicated to Aizen Myo-o (Ragaraja) across Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama, Kyoto, Shiga, Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures. Notably, the Tahoto (multi-treasure pagoda) at Shoman-in stands as the oldest wooden structure in Osaka City.
According to historical temple records, this sacred site traces its origins back to Seyaku-in, one of the sub-temples within the Shitenno-ji, established by Prince Shotoku in 593. Over time, the temple complex experienced several periods of destruction but was consistently rebuilt. One such event was the Ishiyama Battle between Oda Nobunaga and the Osaka Hongan-ji Temple from 1570 to 1580.
Devotees come to Shoman-in to offer prayers to Aizen Myo-o, seeking blessings related to matchmaking, successful marriages, marital harmony, and overall good fortune. Within the temple precincts, Aizen's Sacred Water is believed to bestow luck in matters of love and charm. Visitors flock to this sanctuary in hopes of realizing their heartfelt wishes, particularly in the realm of love and relationships.
Additionally, the renowned Japanese novelist Matsutarō Kawaguchi once resided in this vicinity, and the sacred tree known as "Aizen Katsura", which served as the inspiration for his iconic work and subsequent film adaptation, can be found within the temple grounds. A legendary belief persists that couples who stand before this sacred tree, expressing their love, will surmount any obstacles and ultimately find happiness together, triumphing over the challenges they encounter.
Address
5-36 Yuhigaokacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0075, Japan
Getting There
- 4 minutes walk from Shitennōji-mae Yūhigaoka Station (四天王寺前夕陽ヶ丘駅)
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