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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Daruma are part of the folklore of the temple, and now attract curious tourists as well as faithful pilgrims.
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