Naritasan Shinshoji Temple 成田山新勝寺

Description

Naritasan Shinshoji is dedicated to the deity Fudo Myo-o, the “Immovable Wisdom King,” a steadfast defender of Buddhism who cuts through ignorance with his sword, binds up the violent with his rope, and leads his worshippers down the path of self-mastery. The temple is a popular place to pray for good luck and success with your resolutions in the new year, when nearly 3 million visitors pass through the temple gates during the first three days of January. In 939, a powerful samurai led a revolt against the Imperial Court. A statue of Fudo Myo-o carved by Kukai (774-835), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, was brought in from Kyoto in the hope of quelling the war. The priest that accompanied the statue to Narita enshrined it and performed a goma fire ritual to pray for an end to warfare. The conflict did indeed end, and the goma ritual has been performed every day since for over 1,000 years. Naritasan Shinshoji became popular with commoners in the Edo period (1603-1867). One of the most famous kabuki actors, Ichikawa Danjuro I (1660-1704), was a passionate worshipper, so much so that he named his actors’ guild “Naritaya” after the temple. Fudo Myo-o has appeared in many kabuki performances, starting with the performances of this notable actor. The vast temple grounds contain many historic buildings such as Komyodo Hall (previously the main hall), Shakado Hall, and the 25-meter-tall, three-storied pagoda covered in elaborate, colorful carvings. These and two other buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties. In addition to watching the goma ritual performed several times a day at the Great Main Hall, visitors can also listen to the lay sermons by the priests, copy sutras, and try zazen seated meditation or ritual fasting.