JIgen-ji, Buddhist temple in Minato-ku, Japan
JIgen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Minato with multiple prayer halls designed for religious ceremonies and a prominent eleven-faced statue of Kanzeon Bosatsu. The grounds lie near Mount Iimori and contain various spaces for worship and contemplation.
The temple was founded in 1593 by Ryojyun Shionuma Daiajari and endured through periods of conflict in the region. This long history established it as a stable center for Buddhist practice that continues to this day.
The temple is dedicated to Kanzeon Bosatsu, a goddess of compassion whose eleven-faced statue is venerated here. Monthly prayer rituals with burning sticks show how visitors bring their personal wishes into this sacred space.
The temple is reachable by public transportation from JR Sendai Station and offers free parking for about a hundred vehicles. Visitors should check opening hours before arriving, especially if planning to attend monthly ceremonies.
The temple preserves an important painting of the dying Buddha that depicts his entry into enlightenment. Additionally, a stone monument displays poetry by the renowned poet Matsuo Basho that visitors can discover.
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