Anrakuji Temple Kyoto

Anrakuji Temple Kyoto

The former capital of Japan is famous for its richness of culture and history. Kyoto with its innumerable shrines temple museums and gardens attracts 40 million tourists every year. The city is rumored to have some 1600 temples and 400 shrines. Anraku-ji is one of Kyoto’s beautiful temples located in the onsen town of Bessho Spa. The Anraku-ji temple was established in 1211-1212 to honor the martyred priests Anraku and Juren. The temple is known for its picturesque and perfectly manicured gardens. An ideal time to visit this temple is during the cherry blossom season and in the later part of April when the azaleas are in bloom.

The temple originally served as a training temple of the priest Honen. Legend has it that the disciples of Honen, Anraku and Oren (a.k.a. Juren) had inspired and persuaded two women Matsumushi and Suzumushi to become Jodo Nuns. Unfortunately for Anraku and Oren these ladies were no ordinary women- they happened to be consorts of Cloister Emperor Gotoba. Furious that his wives had left his palace to embrace the life of nuns the emperor ordered the execution of the Anraku and Oren and exiled Honen. And hence the Anrakuji temple was dedicated to the martyred souls of the priests Anraku and Oren. The wooden statues of Juren, Anraku, Matsumushi and Suzumushi still hark of the past tragedy. The tombs of all four are on the grounds of Anraku-ji.

Anrakuji is located on a hillside just outside the spa town of Bessho. The temple has a garden with beautifully manicured trees and hedges.

The most important sight in this temple is its octagonal pagoda, a relic of the Kamakura period. The temple is one of the few remaining examples of the Chinese Song style architecture. Though the temple was laid out in an enormous scale, only its pagoda has survived the ravages of war and fire and stands as proof of its past glory. The pagoda with its three false roofs and eight bowed sections is covered in snow during the winters and is an exquisite sight in that time of the year.

With a total height of only 18.5 meters, the pagoda is small in size. The shingle covered roof adds to its charm. The pagoda looks like it is four-storied, as it has three false roofs and a real one. There are false windows and doors in the pagoda including the upper floors.

The ideal time to visit Anraku-ji Temple is in spring and autumn. On July 25 every year the temple serves its famous 'Kabocha-kuyo' or plates of pumpkin to visitors. It is believed to prevent palsy. This ritual has its origins in the Edo period (1600-1868). It is said that a monk heard the Buddha tell that eating pumpkin on this day would prevent illness. Cooked pumpkin and tea is served and many people visit the temple to pray for the healthy life.

People participating in this ceremony are instructed to write their names, ages, and type of illness, on a form. Temple workers then transcribe the information on a piece of paper which is wrapped around a pumpkin into which an amulet is inserted. The pumpkin is then blessed and handed back to the individual who is supposed to rub it over the afflicted area of his/her body. The pumpkin is then taken home and buried in the yard. As it rots, the illness is believed to disappear!

Whether you have aches and pains that ail you or are in need of a change of scenery, do drop into this onsen town to visit the beautiful Anrakuji Temple.

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