Butsuden and Jizo Bodhisattva Statue
Butsuden
The Butsuden (Buddha Hall) is one of the most important buildings of Kenchoji Temple and was the first of the temple’s structures to be completed. It enshrines a towering statue of the bodhisattva Jizo, the central Buddhist deity of the temple. From hell to paradise, Jizo’s compassionate presence illuminates the righteous way, and he saves from harm those who call out to him.
Like many buildings within the temple grounds, the Butsuden has suffered fires and disasters and has been rebuilt several times. During Japan’s Warring States period (1467–1568), Kenchoji suffered from a lack of patronage and was badly in need of reconstruction.
The Tokugawa shoguns (1603–1867) became supporters of the temple during the seventeenth century, after the appointment of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616) to shogun in 1603. The Tokugawa funded the rebuilding of Kenchoji, and donated the current Butsuden to the temple in 1647. The building was previously located at Zojoji Temple in Edo (now Tokyo), the Tokugawa family temple.
Because of its association with the Tokugawa family, the hall is much more richly decorated than a typical Zen temple building. The ornate, carved panels on the walls and gilt decorations on the ceiling reflect the power and influence of the Tokugawa at the time it was built. The ceiling is decorated with auspicious birds on a brilliant gilded background.
The Butsuden was constructed between 1624 and 1644, and is designated an Important Cultural Property. It is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
Jizo Bodhisattva Statue
The main deity of Kenchoji Temple is the bodhisattva Jizo, who is known as Ksitigarbha in Sanskrit. A bodhisattva is one who postpones their own enlightenment for the sake of the salvation of others, and Jizo has vowed not to achieve full enlightenment until the underworld is emptied of suffering souls. In Japan, Jizo is often depicted as a monk, and is considered a deity of mercy and a protector of travelers and children.
Jizo is one of the most popular Buddhist deities in Japan and commonly appears as a small statue wearing a red cap and bib, often seen in graveyards and by roadsides. However, while many temples have small Jizo statues, it is rare for Jizo to be the main deity of a large temple. Jizo’s presence in this area dates back to before the building of Kenchoji.
A section of the land that belongs to Kenchoji was an execution ground before the temple was established in 1253. A Jizo statue was enshrined there for people to pray to the deity on behalf of the souls of those who had been executed. When Kenchoji was built, the monks carried on that mission.
The wooden statue is from the fifteenth century and is about 2.4 meters tall (roughly 4.8 meters including its pedestal). The statue holds a walking stick in the right hand and a wish-granting jewel in its left hand.
Everyone is welcome to pray to Jizo. Visitors simply put their palms together and bow deeply, then think of something that is important to them. After praying, an optional donation can be placed in the wooden collection box.
