Jizo-e Manto Kuyo (Ten Thousand Lantern Memorial Service for Jizo)

About this event

Held at Gango-ji Temple in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, the 'Jizo-e Manto Kuyo' is a traditional rite carrying on the traditions of Jizo devotion, praying to Jizo Bosatsu for memorial services for ancestors, family safety, the healthy growth of children, and world peace. Following the Buddhist service, in front of the group of stone Buddha statues on the temple grounds, the Manto Kuyo (Ten Thousand Lantern Memorial) is conducted by pouring rapeseed oil into votive earthenware dishes inscribed with prayers in sumi ink and lighting rush-wick lamps. Inside the Gokuraku-do hall, Jizo Bosatsu is enshrined, and a memorial service is held to pray for good health and the healthy growth of children. The votive dishes used are low-fired so that they return to the earth. In the past, there were times when dedication performances, events, and stalls were also held, but current status requires confirmation. Jizo Bosatsu is also known as the guardian deity of children, and this memorial service held near the Obon period is conducted carrying the prayers of many people.

Venue

Gangoji-cho

Gangoji-cho, Nara, Nara 630-8332