News Discussion

Shorenji Temple Prays for Good Weather with 3,000 Paper Dolls

Shorenji Temple in Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, is renowned for praying for clear weather. The temple receives handmade teru teru bozu (dolls made from tissue or cloth) from across the country. It hangs these dolls under the eaves and inside the main hall, invoking blessings for sunny weather.

Established during the Heian period, Shorenji has a historical connection with the Japanese Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi). It is said that while journeying to Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, Kukai stopped at Shorenji. Here, he fervently prayed for clear skies.

Approximately 3,000 teru teru bozu adorn the temple grounds. Each doll is uniquely crafted to resemble cats, kappa, and other characters. They also bear inscriptions of wishes for world peace and health, among other things.

"We hang teru teru bozu in hopes of warding off disasters," explained head priest Kiminori Takahata (47). Shorenji is accepting submissions until July 24, and the display will run until October 24.

1. 1. pray for ～ ～のために祈る
   The community gathered to pray for peace and unity.
2. 2. fervently 熱烈に、熱心に
   She argued fervently in support of her ideas during the meeting.
3. 3. journey 旅をする
   They journeyed across the country to visit all the national parks.
4. 4. resemble 似る・似ている、共通点がある
   She closely resembles her mother in both looks and personality.
5. 5. ward off 避ける、回付する、防ぐ、撃退する、かわす
   Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help ward off illness.

1. 1. What is Shorenji Temple in Gojo City known for?
2. 2. Who is the Japanese Buddhist monk associated with Shorenji Temple, and what did he pray for there?
3. 3. Have you ever made teru teru bozu dolls to pray or wish for good weather for a special event?
4. 4. What do you think about the idea of hanging teru teru bozu dolls to ward off disasters? Do you believe in the power of such traditions?
5. 5. Do you know any other superstitions or traditions related to religious beliefs or spiritual ideas?

晴れ祈願の寺として知られる奈良県五條市の生蓮（しょうれん）寺が、全国から届いた手作りのてるてる坊主を本堂の軒下や本堂内につるし、晴れ乞いをしている。

生蓮寺は平安時代に創建。空海が高野山（和歌山県）への道中、立ち寄った生蓮寺で「晴れますように」と祈ったとされる。

境内を彩るてるてる坊主は約３千体。ネコやカッパなどに似せた個性的なてるてる坊主も多く、「世界平和」「健康祈願」などさまざまな願いが書き込まれている。

住職の高畑公紀さん（４７）は「災害がないよう願いを込めて、てるてる坊主をつるしています」。７月２４日まで募集し、１０月２４日までつるされる。