Nyoirin-ji (如意輪寺) is a Shingon temple in Ogōri, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The temple, which is famed for its frog figurines, is commonly referred to as Kaeru-dera (カエル寺, frog temple), while the formal name is Seieizan Nyoirin-ji (清影山如意輪寺).[1]
| Nyoirin-ji 如意輪寺 | |
|---|---|
 The Sanmon Gate | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Shingon |
| Deity | Nyorai (Tathāgata) |
| Location | |
| Location | 1728 Yokoguma, Ogōri, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Country | Japan |
| Geographic coordinates | 33°25′39.2″N 130°34′03.1″E / 33.427556°N 130.567528°E |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | Gyōki |
| Completed | 729 |
| Website | |
| http://www.kyushyu24.com/frm10.aspx | |
History
editThe temple was founded on the order of Empress Kōken in 729 and consecrated by the monk Gyōki.[2] In 1586, however, the temple was temporally shut down in the fire caused by war.[2] Then, in the early Edo period, the main hall was rebuilt by Arima Tadayori (有馬忠頼), the second feudal lord of Kurume Domain.
Today, the temple and its surrounding grounds receive more than 30 thousand visitors annually.[3]
Sights
editFrog figurines
editThe former chief priest of Nyoirin-ji Temple went on a trip to China, brought back a frog figurine made out of jade and placed it in the temple. With that as a starting point, he began collecting frog figurines in 1992 with the goals of changing the atmosphere of the temple and attracting young people to visit. There are now more than 5,000 figurines placed in the temple.[3]
Wind chimes
editAbout 2,500 Japanese wind chimes called fūrin (風鈴) are hung up at the temple during the summer. Visitors can buy a fūrin for 500 yen, write their wishes on the paper hanging from the fūrin, then hang it at the temple.[4]
Nyoirin Kannon
editThe statue of the Nyoirin Kannon is said that it was carved by the monk Gyōki. As a "hidden Buddha" it is concealed and can only be seen during the year of snake every 12 years.[2]
References
edit- ^ 第十番 清影山 如意輪寺 （せいえいざん・にょいりんじ） [Seiei-zan Nyoirin-ji] (in Japanese). Nyoirin-ji. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
- ^ a b c 如意輪寺[真言宗御室派][福岡県小郡市横隈1729]-お寺めぐりの友 [Nyōirin-ji] (in Japanese). www.hakataboy.com. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
- ^ a b 朝日新聞デジタル：如意輪寺 （福岡県小郡市） - 山口 - 地域 [Nyōirin-ji] (in Japanese). asahi.com. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
- ^ "「かえる寺」住職が残した涼やかな音響く…福岡県小郡市の風物詩「風鈴まつり」". 読売新聞オンライン (in Japanese). 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
External links
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