Hiroshima｜Visit the Three Great Benzaiten Temples of Japan at Daiganji Temple, which opens only once a year

There are three major Benzaiten in Japan, the Takebushima Shrine in Hogon-ji Temple, the Enoshima Shrine in Enoshima, and the other one is Miyajima Daiganji Temple. According to legend, Benzaiten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods. She is an image of Benzaiten brought from India, with four pairs of arms holding a pipa. When you go to Miyajima Okusui, you will see many wooden products in the shape of rice spoons. Those are not rice spoons, but Benzaiten's pipa, which have been made into commemorative items so that everyone can have Benzaiten's beauty, talent and eloquence.
Benzaiten is in charge of wealth, learning, and eloquence. The curtains are usually closed. It is said that this is a secret Buddha statue made by Master Kobo himself. The temple will open the curtains on August 17th every year to allow believers to worship.
Daiganji Temple is said to have been built during the Kennin period (1201 AD) by the monk Ryokai. In addition to Benzaiten, Daiganji also enshrines Acala and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The garden also enshrines Ryujin, the messenger of Benzaiten, as well as the wooden Yakushi Nyorai and wooden Shakyamuni Nyorai, both of which are important cultural properties of Japan. Unfortunately, they are not open to the public. I can only speak my true feelings to the gods quietly through the wooden door.
This place is right next to Miyajima Shrine. Because the gods and Buddhas were separated in the Meiji era, it was divided into Iwashima Shrine and Daiganji Temple.
📍Address: 〒739-0588 3 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
🚗It is a ten-minute walk from Miyajima Pier. It is recommended to visit Daiganji Temple after visiting Iwashima Shrine and Torii.
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Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Apr 1, 2025