Osaka｜The hidden power spot of Katsuoji Temple, where Benzaiten and Ichiganfudo Hall are located under the harmony of Shinto and Buddhism

It is easy to overlook other important attractions when visiting Katsuo-ji Temple because of the Darumas everywhere. The most noteworthy of them are Benzaiten and Isganbufudo Hall. Benzaiten actually originated from the Indian goddess Benzaiten. When Mahayana Buddhism developed to Japan, she became the guardian deity of the Twelve Heavens of Buddhism. She also evolved into one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology. In Shintoism, it is Ichikishimahime, who is in charge of music and performing arts. The statue of Benzaiten is divided into eight arms holding weapons such as bows and arrows; and a two-arm image holding a pipa. The Benzaiten at Katsuo-ji Temple is a shrine with a vermilion torii gate, which is a fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism. Another power spot is Sanja Gongen, where Hachiman, Zao Gongen and Suwa Myojin are enshrined. According to legend, these three are gods who guard the land, so it is also called the Jinshudo. Believers often come to Sanja Gongen Shrine to pray for warding off evil and eliminating disasters. The Iskankan Fudo Hall enshrines Acala, who is said to be the incarnation of Vairocana Buddha and one of the five great Vidyarajas in Esoteric Buddhism. It is said that if one makes a wish to him, Acala will help to fulfill it, hence the name Iskankan Fudo Hall. The last and most easily overlooked wisdom is the "Ring of Wisdom". Walk around the floor tiles seven times clockwise to the center, and then walk out of the circle seven times counterclockwise to gain wisdom. Don’t miss these powerful spots when you visit Katsuo-ji Temple. 📍Address: 〒562-8508 2914-1 Aimagaya, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture 🚗Take the Kita-Osaka Express and subway train to Minoh Kayano, and transfer to Hankyu Bus No. 29 or 30 to arrive. #AprilGoodDestinations2025