Tendai Buddhist Sect’s Kongourinji Temple – Private Display of Japan’s Oldest Daikokuten (God of Wealth) – Special Public Display
Kongourinji Temple’s Autumn Beauty, One of the Three Koto Sanzan Temples
At Kongourinji Temple, one of the three Koto Sanzan Temples of the Tendai Sect, lives a statue of Daikokuten (God of Wealth) from the Heian Period (793-1185). Usually not on public display, this statue is open for viewing as a special event.
The Daikokuten at Kongourinji Temple is the oldest of its kind in all of Japan. Originally introduced to Japan from Teng (now China) by Dengyo Daishi, Daikokuten still retains the appearance of an ancient Hindu god of battle.
Daikokuten was originally worshipped as a god of food, and his image can be found in the kitchens of monasteries, but later on he began to be worshipped as a god of luck, particularly one who brings luck for the future.
Be sure to visit the temple’s exhibit while enjoying the beautiful autumn leaves!
Video on Kongorinji Temple
Overview of Tendai Buddhist Sect’s Kongourinji Temple – Private Display of Japan’s Oldest Daikokuten (God of Wealth) – Special Public Display
- Event Period
- November 1, 2017 - December 3, 2017
- Address
- 873 Matsuoji, Aisho Town, Echigun, Shiga Prefecture
- Location
- Kongourinji Temple, Aisho Town, Shiga Prefecture
- Access
- About 15 minutes by taxi from JR Lake Biwa Line’s Inae Station
- Admission
- Adults 600 yen. Junior high and high school students 300 yen. Elementary school students 300 yen.