Abe Monju-in Temple

The main deity is Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri), a Buddha who presides over wisdom, known for the phrase, “When Three Men Come Together, Monju Wisdom,” and the temple is known as one of the three Monju shrines in Japan.

Many people visit the temple to pray for success in entrance exams, academic achievement, and to ward off evil spirits and evil luck.

It is said that the Yin-Yang master Abe no Seimei practiced Yin-Yang path at this temple, and the temple grounds include Seimei Hall and Inari Shrine, which is dedicated to Shintamori Kuzuha Inari, a white fox said to be Abe no Seimei’s mother.

The main image, a huge 7-meter-high Buddha statue of Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri) riding on a lion and accompanied by four supporting priests, was created by Kaikei, a leading Buddhist priest of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and is designated as a national treasure.

Within the expansive precincts of the temple are many historically significant sights, including the Hakusando Hall, an important cultural property also known as the god of marriage; the Nishi Kofun (tombs of the Abe clan), a special historic site; and the Kinkaku Floating Hall, which houses the hidden treasures of the Onmyoudo.

The spacious temple grounds are filled with seasonal colors, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms, bokeh, azaleas, cosmos, and other flowers, as well as autumn foliage.

Abe Monjuin was built in 645 at the request of Emperor Kotoku by Abe Kuratayamaro, who became Left Minister during the Taika Reform of 645.

It flourished as one of the fifteen major temples in Yamato during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). However, it declined after its buildings were almost completely burned down by warring feudal lords in Yamato Province in 1563.

In 1665, the main hall and Monjudo were rebuilt and restoration was accomplished.