Jindoji Temple: Several Important Cultural Properties 神童寺：重要文化財

Aizen Myo-o is popularly known as a deity that transforms worldly desire into spiritual awakening. This deity is often depicted in varying shades of red and is called upon to help in matters of passionate love. Much like Cupid, Aizen Myo-o sometimes holds a bow and arrow. Jindoji Temple’s Seated Aizen Myo-o statue is referred to as the Sky Bow Aizen (Tenkyu Aizen) because its bow and arrow are pointed skyward, a posture that is unusual for Aizen Myo-o figures. There are only four Aizen Myo-o statues that are designated Important Cultural Properties. This Aizen Myo-o is 64.5 cm tall and made of wood.

Standing Fudo Myo-o

Fudo Myo-o is a Wise King believed to protect the faithful and to guide followers with the fierce love of a parent. Jindoji Temple’s statue, called the White Wave Fudo (Namikiri Shiro Fudoson) is almost childlike in appearance, with the wave motif reflected in his flowing attire and the curled ringlets atop his head. He also flashes small fangs. There are only four like it in Japan, and this is the only one that is white in color. It is 162.1 cm tall and made of wood.

Seated Amida Nyorai

Amida Nyorai is the Lord of the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss and is the Buddha who leads the souls of the dead to be reborn there. This statue of Amida Nyorai is 137 cm in height, made of wood, and is believed to have been made in imitation of the one at Byodoin Temple.

Standing Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas

These two paired statues are bodhisattvas who represent sunlight and moonlight. While they usually flank the sides of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing who relieves suffering, this pair at Jindoji Temple now stand alone. Usually Nikko has its left hand raised and Gakko has its right hand raised, but in somewhat rare fashion, both statues in this pair have their left hands raised.