Konpiradō 金毘羅大権現の概要

Official explanation

Konpiradō is a small hall located just outside the grounds of Eiheiji Temple. It is dedicated to Konpira Daigongen, a kami (Shinto deity) associated with ships and the sea. The hall was built to express gratitude for the safe return of Eiheiji Temple’s founder, Zen Master Dōgen (1200–1253), after his studies in China.

Konpira Daigongen is a syncretic deity that combines elements from Buddhism and native kami worship. In a purely Buddhist context, Konpira is known as one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals who protect the Medicine Buddha. Over time, Konpira became affiliated with both a Shinto deity named Ōmononushi no Kami and a water dragon who is worshipped at Mt. Zōzu, in Kagawa Prefecture. The head shrine of Konpira Daigongen, called Kotohiragū, is still located there. This mixing of religious practices was quite common until the Meiji era (1868–1912), when the government mandated a clear distinction between Buddhism and Shinto.

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Every year on July 9, the residents of the neighborhood near Eiheiji Temple gather at Konpiradō and chant sutras while lighting candles and incense to pray for the prosperity of the temple, sound health, and the fulfillment of various wishes. Afterward, the monks join the residents and share in a meal prepared by the temple’s cooks, indicating the close connection between the temple and its surrounding neighborhood.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.