Karukayadō 苅萱堂かるかやどう

Karukayadō Temple

The main object worship of Karukaya Hall is Indō Jizō, who, as his name suggests, leads people to paradise after their death. However, the temple is much more famous for the moving story of a desperate boy and his search for his father.

According to the tale, Ishidōmaru’s father became disillusioned by the hostility between his wife and his mistress, so he decided to abandon the world by taking holy orders at Mt. Kōya. After falling on hard times, Ishidōmaru and his mother journeyed to Mt. Kōya to seek him out. Since women were not permitted on the holy mountain, Ishidōmaru made the climb alone.

On his way, he met a kind priest named Karukaya Dōshin who informed the boy that the father he was looking for had died. He was even able to point to the stone that marked his grave.

scene from story of Ishidōmaru — Ishidōmaru and Karukaya Dōshin

The disappointed Ishidōmaru returned to the foot of the mountain only to discover that his mother had died in his absence. The now orphaned Ishidōmaru had no choice but to return to the mountain where he shaved his head and took Buddhist vows, placing himself under the care and guidance of the priest he had met earlier.

For the rest of their lives Ishidōmaru and Karukaya Dōshin devoted themselves to worship and ascetic practices. In all that time, the older priest never revealed to the boy that he was, in fact, his real father.

The full story, which has been retold in various forms including Kabuki plays and manga comic books, is presented in illustrated panels along an inner gallery of the present-day Karukayadō, Also on display are three statues called the Oyako Jizō (Parents with Child Jizō). These three figures are (all too conveniently) said to have been carved by Ishidōmaru and his father.

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

Karukayadō Temple

KoyaQuest

Karukayadō Temple

Karukayadō 苅萱堂かるかやどう

Karukayadō Temple