Hoshi Kuyo Kaibaku (Star Memorial Service Opening)

About this event

Hoshi Kuyo Kaibaku is a Buddhist memorial ritual to pray for sound health and protection from misfortune in the coming year. Observed from the winter solstice until Setsubun, a special esoteric altar for the Hoshi Kuyo Mandala is arranged before the sacred altar of the Mieido Hall on both the opening day (winter solstice) and concluding day (Setsubun). The Hachiji Monju Mandala hangs at the center, the Hoshi Kuyo Mandala on the left facing forward, and the Sixteen Benevolent Deities of Shakyamuni on the right. The ceremony begins with the ritual turning (tendoku) of all 600 scrolls of the Great Prajnaparamita Sutra, followed by chanting the mantras of cosmic deities associated with the stars and constellations—including Dainichi Nyorai, Myoken Bosatsu, the Big Dipper (Hokuto Shichisei), the Twelve Zodiac Signs, and the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions. Following the completion of rituals on February 3, the Setsubun-e ceremony (bean-throwing ritual) ensues. Prayer applications are accepted, and protective amulets are conferred upon completion. At Zentsuji Kanchiin, the ritual is performed on the eve of the winter solstice as the Big Dipper twinkles, cutting away misfortunes from malefic stars and praying for the elimination of disasters and the arrival of blessings. The Hokuto Mandala comprehensively lays out individual birth stars (honmeisho), birth weekdays (honmeyo), birth mansions (honmeishuku), birth zodiac houses (honmeikyu), vital spirit stars (genshinsho), and current-year stars (tonensho), and rites are performed contemplating the North Star and Big Dipper. Concurrently, the Hokuto Goma fire ritual is observed, completing the devout and tranquil Hoshi Kuyo Kaibaku. Applications for Hoshi Kuyo prayer talismans are accepted year-round, concluding on Setsubun the following year.

Venue

Sohonzan Zentsuji Bekkaku Honzan Kanchiin Temple

3-2-21 Zentsujicho, Zentsuji, Kagawa 765-0003