JINDAIJI TEMPLE
Have you heard Omikuji ?
Omikuji are fortune papers you find at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. Many people want to try this type of fortune telling when they visit these religious facilities. That is because Japanese people often go there when they need some mental support, and the paper may give them some useful advice. During New Year’s Day, when many people visit these places, the temples and shrines prepare additional omikuji places to give everyone a chance to find out their fortune for the new year.
Who created this Omikuji?
Ganzandaishi” (Grand-master Ganzan)
The statue of “Ganzandaishi” (Grand-master Ganzan), or “Jikeidaishi”, has been enshrined in the Ganzandaishi Hall in Jindaiji since 991, and is very rarely on display. Ganzandaishi was a monk in the Heian period (794-1185) and is famous for becoming the 18th Tendaizasu (the top rank of Tendai Buddhism). His real name was Ryogen, but as he passed away on January 3rd he became known as Gan (January) -Zan (three) -Daishi (Grand-master).
Ganzandaishi is said to be the incarnation of Nyoirinkannon Buddha and since the
Kamakura-Muromachi period (1192-1573) worshippers have accredited him with the
divine power to dispel bad luck. He is also said to have created “Omikuji” (fortune-telling slips) which are now often seen at temples and shrines all over Japan.
So now we got the a slight history about this temple ,
then will show you this amazing temple !
We can reach here from
・Chofu Station(Keiou Line)
・Tsutsujigaoka Station ( Keiou Line)
・Mitaka Station (JR Line)
・Kichijoji Station ( JR Line )
From Each bus stop, we can take a bus !
As arriving at Jindaiji Bus stop, Jindaiji Motomachi area which have lots of Soba restaurants welcomes you !
The Jindaiji Motomachi area is famous for soba.
During the Edo period, the peasants and farmers living in the area were forced to grow buckwheat on the land because the soil was not suited to the cultivation of rice crops. The soba allegedly owes its subsequent popularity to the head priest of Kaneiji Temple in Ueno (the head temple of the Tokugawa clan that was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration) who praised the quality of the soba when he came to visit Jindaiji. In any case, today traditional soba restaurants line the lanes and paths leading up to the temple, and people travel from afar to enjoy the area’s famous cuisine and natural beauty.
So let's dive into the temple!
Short Overview of this temple / Jindaiji Temple
This temple is a historic Buddhist temple in the suburbs of Tokyo, surrounded by a rich protective grove and blessed with spring water.
The name “Jindaiji” derives from the name of the god of water “Jinja Daioh” (Great King of Jinja) who is the basis of the character “Sha Wujing” in the classical Chinese novel “Journey to the West”.
It is said that the temple was erected by the monk Mankhoo Shonin in 733.
There is a legend about the origin of the temple.
A boy named Fukuman fell in love with a girl from a powerful family.
The girl’s parents opposed the relationship and sent her away to live on a small island on a lake.
At a loss, Fukuman prayed to Jinja Daioh.
A mysterious turtle then appeared and took him to the island.
Seeing that the boy had divine protection, the parents relented and gave Fukuman their daughter’s hand in marriage.
Their child, Mankhoo Shonin, became a monk and founded Jindaiji Temple in
order to fulfill his father’s wish to enshrine Jinja Daioh.
Thanks to this romantic love story which is recorded in “Jindaiji Engi”
(Documents on the History of Jindaiji Temple), Jindaiji Temple is now well-known for its matchmaking powers.
Beautiful ,right?^^
So come inside the temple , what Should I Do?
Yes, Omikuji!
I will give you one explanation for this .
Kanji / Reading /Meaning
大吉 /Dai-kichi /Great (big) blessing
中吉 /Chu-kichi /Middle blessing
小吉 /Sho-kichi /Small blessing
半吉 /Han-kichi /Half blessing
末吉 /Sue-kichi /Blessing to come*
末小吉/Sue-sho-kichi /Small blessing to come
吉 /Kichi /Blessing
凶 /Kyo /Curse**
末凶 /Sue-kyo /Curse to come
半凶 /Han-kyo /Half curse
小凶 /Sho-kyo /Small curse
大凶 /Dai-kyo /Big curse
There is one notice here !
It says there are lots of temples or shrines have Omikuji which provide many Kichi.
This temple provides Not modern style But lots of KYO!!!by Old and Original style!
Wow, Exciting! Let's try!
Firstly put 200 Yen into the coin box ,
and shake the orange omikuji box!
Then the bar with number will be come out ,
find the number on the number box!
So open it slowly,,,, you can find the Omikuji paper in it...
The result is ..... Please find all details in this YouTube as below!
For people had a bad luck ,
No Worries!
You can ward off them by joining to the sacred ceremony Goma Prayer Ritual.
Anyone can participate in the Goma prayer rituals which can be applied for at the reception area in the The Ganzandaishi Hall.
Please enjoy how it goes in this movie !!
After enjoying this temple , we should eat Soba.. RIGHT?
I have got in Aokiya, with beautiful Japanese Garden pond.
Really amazing atmosphere with yummy SOBA!
Thanks a lot for reading all until here.
Hope you could enjoy a lot!
All details about this destination ,please check the YouTube as below!
And we have other attractive and amazing places also in the channel!
Wish I could make your day!
Youtube : https://youtu.be/Iyz-eZxEN9o
Instagram : www.instagram.com/future_travel_design
Thanks!