Katsuō-ji Temple, widely known as the Temple of the Daruma, stands in the heart of Mino forest in northern Osaka. Because of its reputation of bringing victory and good fortune, many Japanese make a pilgrimage there every year, or before an important examination.
Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji: the temple that helps triumph
The temple was originally founded in 727 by two Buddhist monks, Zenchu and Zensan. Attracted by the spiritual tranquillity of the site, they first built a simple hut. Later on a temple was officially established at the instigation of a prince from the imperial family who went there seeking peace of mind.
Vibrant clownfish amid cascading waterfall creates a mesmerizing nature spectacle.
Mighty waterfall cascades over jagged rocks in a rugged mountain landscape.
Natures serenity captured in a lush forest waterfall with a vibrant red flower.
Katsuō-ji
Serene Japanese garden path winds through vibrant autumn foliage toward a red pagoda.
Serene Japanese garden with red torii gate, winding path, and cascading waterfall.
Serene Japanese garden with vibrant red bridge over turquoise pond surrounded by cherry blossoms in bloom.
Ornate Japanese Zen temple surrounded by serene nature scenery and tranquil pond.
Mystical moss-draped boulders in a twilight forest emit a serene, ethereal glow.
It takes its current name from Katsuō-ji after the miraculous cure of Emperor Seiwa (850–881). Legend has it that the priests’ prayers healed the monarch. In gratitude, he allowed the temple to use the name “勝 王 寺 Katsuō-ji” which means “the temple that helps triumph”. Out of respect, the monks prefer a homonym 勝 尾 寺 and replace the character for king 王 by the one for tail 尾.
Katsuō-ji
A serene Japanese garden with cherry blossoms surrounding a pagoda-reflected pond.
Ornate stone lanterns line a tranquil garden path amid lush greenery.
Ornate stone lanterns grace a serene Japanese garden with verdant foliage.
Winding garden path amidst cherry blossoms and vibrant blooms creates a serene natural retreat.
Breathtaking autumn scenery in a tranquil Japanese garden with a vibrant yellow tree.
Daruma: auspicious figures of folklore
Since then, the temple has maintained its reputation for victory and success. That’s how the place filled up with Daruma dolls over time. These red figurines are traditional Japanese lucky charms.
Katsuō-ji
Sunlit staircase leading to a wooden structure filled with traditional red Daruma dolls.
Tranquil temple entrance with vibrant red Daruma dolls amidst blooming cherry blossoms.
Vibrant display of iconic Japanese Daruma dolls symbolizing perseverance and luck.
Katsuō-ji
They represent the Bodhidharma, a monk from India, founder of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The etymology comes from the name of this monk: the “dharma” was preserved and it was “japonized” as DARUMA.
Vibrant red Daruma dolls displayed outside a traditional Japanese temple amid cherry blossoms.
Winding stone staircase framed by cherry blossoms leads to tranquil Japanese temple.
Serene Japanese garden with Daruma dolls, cherry blossoms, and a pagoda in harmony.
Stunning Japanese pagoda nestled among vibrant cherry blossoms in a serene garden.
Peaceful Buddhist shrine with illuminated statue and votive candles in a Japanese temple.
Vibrant red life jackets on platform for safe water recreation by serene forest lake.
Intricately carved bronze incense burner surrounded by wooden lattice in a Japanese temple courtyard.
It’s customary to paint one of the Daruma’s eyes black when making a vow. When this is finally granted, you colour in the other eye and return the doll to the temple.
Intricate wooden cubbies housing ritual offerings line this sacred Japanese temple interior.
Tranquil forest shrine with rows of ceremonial red bottles on stone platform.
Rows of red jars neatly lined on wooden shelves in a dimly lit warehouse storage facility.
Katsuō-ji
Breathtaking Japanese garden with vibrant cherry blossoms and iconic red bridge over serene pond.
These figurines scattered all over Katsuō-ji bear witness to the popularity of the temple and the number of wishes fulfilled thanks to prayers addressed here.
Katsuō-ji
Serene red bridge leads to traditional Japanese temple amidst autumnal foliage and cherry blossoms.
Vibrant Japanese garden with red shrine, waterfall and blooming cherry blossoms.
Tranquil waterfall cascades through a lush Japanese garden with a traditional red temple.
Serene Japanese temple pond amidst cherry blossoms and lush hills.
Katsuō-ji is part of the Saigoku pilgrimage, which covers thirty-three Buddhist temples. The route stretches almost a thousand kilometres from the east to the west coast of Kansai region.
Serene Japanese garden with blooming cherry blossoms, koi pond, and red lanterns.
Whimsical Kewpie dolls pop against a natural rock landscape.
Daruma are part of the folklore of the temple, and now attract curious tourists as well as faithful pilgrims.
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