Koshin of Shibamata Taishakuten
About the "Koshin" festival at Shibamata Taishakuten Temple
Shibamata Taishakuten and "Koshin Day" - A festival day established after the miraculous discovery of the principal image
Since the temple was founded, the "Taishakutenban Honzon," a wooden statue of the Buddha said to have been personally engraved by Saint Nichiren, has been carefully enshrined here. However, during the mid-Edo period, the whereabouts of this wooden statue became unknown for a time.
After some time passed, in the spring of 1779, when repairs were being carried out on the main hall, the principal image was discovered on the ridge. As this day was "Kanoe-zaru" day in the zodiac, it was designated as a special festival day, and since then, Shibamata's Koshin faith has become one of the customs of Edo.
Even today, many pilgrims visit the shrine on Koshin Day, and it continues to attract people's faith to this day.
What is Koshin faith?
What is "Koshin"?
"Koshin" is one of the days in the zodiac calendar (the 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches), and comes around once every 60 days.
For example, as the years progress from Koushi to Otoushi to Heiin, the day of "Kanoe-Saru" falls into this category.
Three Corpse Insects
It was believed that on the night of Koshin, the "three corpse insects" that are said to reside inside a person's body would rise to heaven while they were sleeping and tell them of their sins. For this reason, an event called "Koushin-machi" was held, in which people stayed awake on the night of Koshin to prevent their sins from being reported to heaven.
The relationship between Shibamata Taishakuten and Koshin
At Shibamata Taishakuten, a festival is held on this "Koshin Day" and is crowded with many worshippers. Taishakuten is widely worshipped as a god who wards off misfortune, brings good fortune, and protects against illness and extends life, and it is said that visiting on Koshin Day will bring you particular benefits.
Shibamata Taishakuten Koshin Festival (Festival)
2025 (Reiwa 7)
First Koshin
February 20th (Thursday)
Koshin
Monday, April 21st
Koshin
June 20th (Friday)
Koshin
August 19th (Tuesday)
Koshin
Saturday, October 18th
No-koshin
Wednesday, December 17th
On the day of the monkey, the Taishakutenban principal image is open to the public.
Anyone can enter the Taishakudo Hall and pray in front of the principal image.
Please give me the sutra
This is a special sutra that is only available on festival days.
10:00-16:00 (every hour)
Please apply using the application form below or in person at the hall on the day.
prayer
*Those who request a prayer will be given a talisman in a different form than usual.
* If you would like to have a wooden tag mailed to you, please apply using the application form below.
Goshuin (temple stamp)
There is a special goshuin stamp available only on Koshin Day. Please visit the temple in person to receive it.
Please check here for details about the festival seal.
Sermon
On Koshin Day, there will be a sermon by the Nichiren Sect Tokyo Eastern Missionary Association as follows:
This is a sermon session by two Nichiren Buddhist priests, each giving an hour's lecture.
Anyone can attend.
・13:00-15:00 ・Free admission ・No registration required
・You are free to come and go during the conversation.
The venue is on the second floor of the Hosho Kaikan (a hall with guide signs available on the grounds).
Click ★ to see detailed explanation.
