Chinkoku-ji Temple

In detail

Chinkokuji Temple is said to have been established in 806 by Kukai (774–835; posthumously known as Kobo Daishi), an influential monk who introduced Shingon teachings to Japan after traveling to China in 804 to study esoteric Buddhism.

According to legend, Kukai sailed into a heavy storm on the way to China. He prayed to Buddha and the bodhisattvas, and to the Three Female Deities of Munakata—three Shinto deities who protect seafarers.

As Kukai prayed, the figure of Fudo Myoo, a fearsome guardian deity who protects the faithful and subdues evil spirits, appeared before him. His ship reached China safely. On his return to Japan, Kukai visited Munakata Taisha to give thanks to the deities for his safe passage. Chinkokuji Temple enshrines Fudo Myoo as well as the Three Female Deities of Munakata, enshrined here as three Buddhas.

The Three Female Deities are portrayed as Dainichi Nyorai, the cosmic Buddha; Shaka Nyorai, the historical Buddha; and Yakushi Nyorai, the healing Buddha. After Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the sixth century, an overlap developed between Shinto and Buddhist deities and they came to be portrayed interchangeably. The temple is within sight of Hetsu-miya, the largest of the three Munakata Taisha Shinto shrines venerating the Three Female Deities of Munakata.

The temple precincts include the main hall (hondo), the Gomado Hall, and several smaller worship halls. The main hall houses five Buddhas, three of which represent the Three Female Deities of Munakata. The Gomado Hall holds fire rituals to honor Fudo Myoo. A path leads visitors through the forested grounds past statues and stone monuments, including a statue of Kobo Daishi.

One of the main events at the temple is the annual memorial ceremony for Fudo Myoo on April 28. This is the only time the statue of Fudo Myoo is displayed for public viewing. The ceremony includes prayers around a ritual fire. Afterwards, worshippers can walk across warm coals to rid themselves of bad luck. The ceremony is open to the public.

The temple grounds bloom throughout the year, with plum blossoms in January, cherry blossoms, azaleas and irises in spring, and hydrangeas in early summer. The summer months bring lotus blossoms and red spider lilies. From November to December the leaves of Japanese maples and ginkgo trees turn shades of red and gold.