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An old temple of the Kegon sect in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture. It is said to have originated as the clan temple built in 645 (the 1st year of Taika) by Abe no Kurahashimaro by order of Emperor Kotoku. Its principal image, the Monju Bodhisattva, is a national treasure made by the Kamakura-period Buddhist sculptor Kaikei, and it is counted as one of Japan's Three Great Monju, alongside those at Nariaiji in Amanohashidate, Kyoto, and Yamadera, Yamagata.
Temple Info
- Sect
- Kegon
- Principal Image
- Monju Bosatsu (National Treasure, by Kaikei)
- Founded
- Said to date from Taika 1 (645)
History & Origins
It was founded in 645 (the 1st year of Taika) by Abe no Kurahashimaro as a clan temple. It burned down at the end of the Heian period but was revived in the Kamakura period, when the Monju Bodhisattva statue by Kaikei was made. After being burned by Matsunaga Hisahide in the Sengoku period, the main hall was rebuilt in 1665 (the 5th year of Kanbun). It is also said to have been a training place of the onmyoji Abe no Seimei.
Highlights
The national treasure Monju Bodhisattva is a large statue riding a lion, about 7 meters high, and draws enormous devotion from visitors praying for exam success. The grounds also contain historic sites linked to Abe no Seimei, and it is known as a sacred place of astrology and onmyodo. In autumn, fields of cosmos spread out, making it a popular flower spot as well.
Visitor Guide
Take a Nara Kotsu bus from JR/Kintetsu Sakurai Station and get off at Abe Monjuin, right at the temple, or walk about 25 minutes. Reception hours are 9:00 to 17:00 (open all year). Please check the official website for the admission fee. Allow about 45 to 60 minutes.
Best Season
The Monju Oeshiki festival and cherry blossom season in March, and October, when the cosmos is at its best, are especially busy. In the exam season from autumn to winter, many worshippers visit to pray for exam success.
Annual Events
- March
Monju Oeshiki (Monju Memorial Service)
The grand festival of the principal image, Monju Bosatsu, held on March 25 and 26. Many worshippers gather to pray for exam success and academic achievement.
- April
Benzaiten Taisai (Benzaiten Grand Festival) and Hibutsu Juniten-jiku Gokaicho (Opening of the Hidden Juniten Scroll)
Together with the Benzaiten Taisai held on April 20, the hidden Juniten scroll, which is not normally open to view, is specially shown.
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