For safe childbirth and conception blessings
A temple of remarkable spiritual efficacy
Welcome to Anjo-ji Temple
写真で感じる安生寺
This is the temple of Koyasu Kannon (Goddess of Safe Childbirth)
associated with Emperor Shomu
Anjo-ji Temple was founded approximately 1,300 years ago by En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism). It is a temple renowned for its spiritual efficacy in safe childbirth and conception blessings, having supported Emperor Shomu’s birth and Princess Inoue’s childbirth at an advanced age.
01
The Origins of Anjo-ji Temple―
1,300 Years of History and Prayer
Anjo-ji Temple was founded approximately 1,300 years ago by En no Gyoja, the founder of the Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism), after receiving divine guidance from Kosukei Myojin. Later, Empress Monmu, Emperor Shomu’s mother, prayed to the temple’s principal deity, the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, for a safe delivery and successfully gave birth to a son (who would later become Emperor Shomu). Following this event, the temple became widely revered as “a temple with miraculous powers for safe childbirth and conception blessings.” We will introduce how Anjo-ji has developed over time while unraveling the temple’s history and traditions.
02
The Deity Who Cares for the Nation and Saves People ―
Kokushou Myojin
03
Anjo-ji Temple and Emperor Shomu ―
A History Guided by Prayer
The connection between Emperor Shomu and Anjo-ji Temple began when his mother, Empress Monmu, prayed to the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva for a safe delivery. The Empress, wishing to be blessed with a child, offered prayers at this temple, which was then called “Koko-zan Kokushou-ji Temple.” As a result, she safely gave birth to a son (who would later become Emperor Shomu). Follwing this event, the temple’s name was changed to “Anjo-ji”. After his ascension to the throne, Emperor Shomu designated Anjo-ji as an imperial prayer temple and greatly contributed to the temple’s development by establishing a complete temple complex with seven halls.
04
Symbol of Conception and Safe Childbirth Prayers ―
Koyasu Kannon
The principal deity of Anjo-ji Temple, the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva, is worshipped as “Koyasu Kannon” and believed to bestow special blessings for safe childbirth and conception. Beginning with Emperor Shomu’s mother, Empress Monmu, who prayed for safe delivery, it is also said that emperor Shomu’s daughter, Princess Inoue, Prayed for childbirth at the advanced age of 57 and was successfully blessed with a child. Even today, many worshippers visit this place with prayers for safe child birth and conception.
05
Weaving history together with Anjo-ji Temple ―
Uchi Shrine
06
Precious Cultural Treasure Handded down at Anjo-ji Temple ―
Tsuina Masks
At Anjo-ji Temple, numerous precious cultural preperties are preserved, including “Tsuina Masks” associated with Kokushou Myojin and Buddhist statues said to have been created by En no Gyoja. These cultural preperties are important heritage that convey the history and faith of Anjo-ji Temple, and communicate the conditions of those times to visitors today.
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06
Anjo-ji Temple as a Pilgrimage Site
07
The Charm of Anjo-ji Temple Adorned with Literary Arts
