History of Rendai-ji Temple
Founding and Development
The history of Rendai-ji dates back to 738, during the Nara period. According to tradition, the Buddhist monk Gyōki enshrined the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva and Yuga Daigongen, a syncretic deity associated with the Buddhist figures Amida Nyorai and Yakushi Nyorai. Although the temple declined after being damaged by warfare toward the end of the Heian period, it was revived during the Muromachi period by the eminent monk Zōun and once again flourished as a place of worship.
Patronage During the Edo Period and the Separation of Shinto and Buddhism
During the Edo period (1603–1868), Rendai-ji received the protection of the Okayama Domain in Bizen Province, and devotion to Yuga Daigongen spread widely. In the early Meiji period, government policies separating Shinto and Buddhism led to Yuga Shrine, later known as Yuga Shrine Hongu, being separated from the temple grounds. From then on, the temple and shrine were treated as distinct religious institutions.
Postwar Changes and Modern Disputes
After World War II, the dissolution of State Shinto left the temple and shrine formally separate. In practice, however, Rendai-ji continued conducting religious prayers, and their activities retained many features of the unified religious traditions that had existed before the Meiji period.
On March 3, 1997, Yuga Shrine took possession of some of the buildings and began operating independently as a religious corporation. The conflict is said to have arisen from a dispute between the brothers who served as the temple’s chief priest and the shrine’s head priest. This development brought the disagreement between Rendai-ji and Yuga Shrine into the open, and their relationship subsequently became increasingly contentious.
The Tradition of Visiting Both Yuga and Konpira
During the Edo period, pilgrims followed a custom known as ryōmairi, or “visiting both.” They visited Yuga Daigongen at Mount Yuga and Konpira Daigongen in Sanuki Province, the latter being associated with today’s Kotohira-gū in Kagawa Prefecture. Many worshippers made the journey to both sacred sites to pray for protection from misfortune and divine blessings.
Highlights of Rendai-ji Temple
Prayers for Protection from Misfortune and a Monumental Fudō Myōō Statue
Rendai-ji has long been revered for prayers to Yuga Daigongen, widely worshipped as a powerful protector against misfortune. In 2007, the temple completed a wooden statue of Fudō Myōō, a fierce Buddhist deity who protects the Buddhist teachings and helps devotees overcome obstacles. Standing an impressive 7.59 meters tall, the statue is described as the tallest wooden statue of its kind in Japan and has become a notable attraction for visitors and worshippers.
Temple Approach and Traditional Shopping Street
A traditional approach leads to Rendai-ji through a small temple town that has welcomed pilgrims for generations. Souvenir shops line the route, offering visitors a glimpse of the area’s long-established pilgrimage culture. One of Mount Yuga’s best-known specialties is ankoro mochi, soft rice cakes covered in sweet red bean paste. This traditional treat remains a favorite among visitors to the temple.
Cultural Properties of Rendai-ji Temple
Okayama Prefecture Designated Important Cultural Properties
Rendai-ji preserves several important cultural properties designated by Okayama Prefecture, including the following historic buildings and artworks.
Guest Hall: A historic building that serves as one of the temple complex’s principal facilities and reflects its long architectural tradition.
Tahōtō Pagoda: A traditional Buddhist pagoda that has long been an object of religious devotion.
Screen Painting of Kikujidō: A folding-screen painting dating from the Momoyama period to the early Edo period. Its artistic style recalls the work of painters such as Kaihō Yūshō and Kanō Sanraku. Dynamic depictions of pine trees and rugged rock surfaces are among its distinctive features.
Temple Bell: A historic bell that symbolizes the temple’s religious traditions and cultural heritage.
Kurashiki City Designated Important Cultural Property
The temple also preserves a bronze sword designated an Important Cultural Property by Kurashiki City. This artifact is valued for its historical significance and is carefully preserved as part of the region’s cultural heritage.