Shigisan Chogosonshi-ji Temple

■Shigisan

There lived on Mt. Shigi a holy monk called Myoren. When Emperor Daigo fell seriously ill, the monk was given a royal command and prayed to Bishamonten for the recovery of the Emperor. His fervent prayer was successfully answered and Myoren achieved a quickly cure. Pleased with this miracle, the Emperor gave the prayer place an imperial title, “Chogosonshi-ji”, which represents peaceful reign, protection of the country and long luck of posterity. The temple is also known as “Shigisan” and familiar to many people.

■Bishamonten

Bishamonten, one of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune, is believed to give four kinds of goods, success in business, wealth, good luck and wish fulfillment, most generously among them. The statue of Shigisan Bishamon-tenno represents a god of warfare dressed in armor and helmet, indicating his intention to sweep away any kind of hindrances in the world. Meanwhile his formidable expression on his face teaches us to have a strong mind and good patience to do anything no matter what adversity you would encounter. The holy staff with in his right hand symbolizing his message to give success in business as well as money and treasures as much as people wish if they are in their right mind. On the other left hand he holds a small pagoda; a symbol of good luck meaning that fortunes filled in the pagoda will be bestowed to believers as they hope.

■Hondo (Main Hall)

The Main hall, where Daihannya-Sutra is chanted every day, is said to have been reconstructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1592 or by his son, Hideyori, in 1601; however, it is not known exactly when. Restored later, the hall was completed in 1746, but unfortunately it was burned down in 1951 in an electric fire. The existing Main Hall was rebuilt in 1958. It is constructed using an architectural technique called Butai-zukuri and allows visitors to enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the Yamato Plain.

■Shigisan and Tiger

tiger

There lived on Mt. Shigi a holy monk called Myoren. When Emperor Daigo fell seriously ill, the monk was given a royal command and prayed to Bishamonten for the recovery of the Emperor. His fervent prayer was successfully answered and Myoren achieved a quickly cure. Pleased with this miracle, the Emperor gave the prayer place an imperial title, “Chogosonshi-ji”, which represents peaceful reign, protection of the country and long luck of posterity. The temple is also known as “Shigisan” and familiar to many people.

■Shigisan Shukubo (temple lodging)

Lunch and accommodation are available at each temple.

Senjyu-in
Senjyu-in
Gyokuzo-in