Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple

Historic Zen temple, birthplace of Daruma dolls and center of faith in Takasaki, Gunma, Japan

About

Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, nestled in Hanadaka-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, beside the Usui River, is a place where tranquility and history intersect. The story of this site begins in the Enpō era (1673–1681) of the Edo period, when heavy rain and flooding caused the Usui River to overflow. Villagers discovered a large, black-glossy sacred tree on the riverbank. After enshrining this sacred wood in the Kannon Hall, a mysterious purple mist appeared, which they joyously took as an auspicious omen. (daruma.or.jp)

Around the same time, a practitioner named Ichiryo Koji received a revelation in a dream from Bodhidharma, instructing him, "Carve an image of me. The wood to use is at Hanadaka." When he visited Hanadaka and heard the villagers’ story about the sacred tree, he was convinced it was the very wood from the Bodhidharma’s oracle, and shed tears of joy. After purifying himself, Ichiryo Koji carved a seated statue of Bodhidharma using the respectful "one cut, three bows" ritual. However, the statue did not fit into the Kannon Hall’s altar, and they were troubled, until another heavy rainfall washed up another large tree. Using this wood, they built a new altar, perfectly housing the Bodhidharma statue, which was then enshrined next to Kannon. (daruma.or.jp)

Born from sincere faith, the statue of Bodhidharma became famous among the villagers, and the area around the Kannon Hall came to be known as "Shorinzan," meaning "sacred ground of Daruma's appearance." Later, in 1697 (Genroku 10), Lord Sakai Tadakiyo of Maebashi Castle invited the Chinese monk Tokai Shinketsu Zenji, who was patronized by Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni of Mito, to become the temple’s founding abbot, and thus Shorinzan Daruma-ji was formally established. (daruma.or.jp)

Upon entering the temple grounds, the first thing to catch your eye is the thatched-roof Kannon Hall. Preserved in its original form since the temple’s founding, it is said to bring protection from misfortune, foster relationships, and grant safe childbirth and childrearing, attracting many visitors. Next to it stands the Daruma Hall, densely lined with daruma dolls from all over the world, both ancient and modern. Here, visitors can also experience painting their own daruma, creating a unique and personal doll. (daruma.or.jp)

Further into the grounds, you will find Senshintei, a retreat where the world-renowned German architect Bruno Taut lived in the early Showa era. While residing here, Taut studied Japanese culture and introduced its wonders to the world. A monument inscribed with his words, "I love Japanese culture," still touches the hearts of visitors today. (news.yahoo.co.jp)

Every year from January 6th to 7th, the "Nanakusa Taisai Daruma Market" is held at Shorinzan Daruma-ji, bustling with many worshippers. This festival is a traditional event held for about 320 years, featuring the solemn Star Festival Grand Prayer. The temple grounds are also renowned for their beautiful autumn foliage, offering a striking landscape where red daruma dolls and vivid leaves intermingle beautifully. (tabi.jtb.or.jp)

A visit to this site envelops you in an atmosphere alive with history, culture, and the faith of its people, providing a sense of spiritual cleansing. Shorinzan Daruma-ji is not just a sightseeing spot, but a place that brings deep inspiration and peace to all who visit.