Shibamata Taishakuten Temple

This is a Nichiren sect temple located in Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. Its correct name is Kyoei-san Daikyo-ji Temple. It was founded in 1629 (Kan'ei 6) by the 19th head priest of Nakayama Hokekyo-ji Temple, Zennain Nitchu, but it was actually founded by his disciple Daikyoin Nichiei. The wooden honzon, which is said to have been carved by Nichiren, has the mantra and a passage from the Medicine King Chapter of the Lotus Sutra inscribed on one side, and a carving of Taishakuten on the other side. The location of this principal image was unknown in the mid-Edo period, but in the spring of 1779 (An'ei 8), on Koushin day, when the main hall was being repaired, it was discovered on the top of the ridge. Since then, it has been linked to Koushin faith and people have visited the temple on Yoigoshin evenings. It is said that in 1783 (Tenmei 3), during a time of famine and epidemic, the ninth head priest, Nikkyo, carried the wooden principal image on his back and went out into the town, distributing Ichiryufu (secret talismans) to the sick, which was a miraculous miracle. A Koushin festival is held every 60 days, and Ichiryufu and talismans to ward off epidemics (wind seals) are awarded, attracting many visitors. Numerous wood carvings are carved inside and outside the Taishakudo Hall.

[Tamura Kosuke]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

東京都葛飾(かつしか)区柴又にある日蓮(にちれん)宗の寺。正しくは経栄山(きょうえいさん)題経寺(だいきょうじ)と号する。1629年（寛永6）に中山法華経寺(ほけきょうじ)第19世禅那院(ぜんないん)日忠(にっちゅう)を開山とし、実際には弟子の題経院日栄(にちえい)が開創した。日蓮が刻んだと伝えられる板本尊には、片面に題目と『法華経』薬王品(やくおうぼん)の文が記され、他面に帝釈天が彫ってある。その本尊は江戸中期には所在不明であったが、1779年（安永8）の春、庚申(こうしん)の日に、本堂を修理したとき棟(むね)の上から発見され、以後、庚申信仰に結び付いて宵庚申(よいごうしん)の参拝が行われるようになった。第9代日敬(にっきょう)は、1783年（天明3）飢饉(ききん)、疫病(えきびょう)のとき、板本尊を背負って町に出、一粒符(いちりゅうふ)（秘妙符）を病人に施与し、霊験(れいげん)あらたかであったと伝えられる。60日ごとに庚申大祭を行い、一粒符、除疫守（風封じ）を授与しており、参詣(さんけい)者は多い。帝釈堂の内外には数多くの木彫が施されている。

［田村晃祐］

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