Myoo-in Temple: Monthly Goma Fire Ritual on the 28th

What is the Monthly Goma Fire Ritual on the 28th?

The Monthly Goma Fire Ritual (護摩法要) is held on the 28th of every month at Myoo-in Temple (明王院) in Juniso (十二所), Kamakura. The 28th is the monthly festival day of the temple’s principal deity, Fudo Myoo (不動明王). In the main hall, a fire is lit in a ritual hearth, offerings are made to the flames, and prayers are said for people’s wishes. Myoo-in Temple was founded in 1235 by Fujiwara no Yoritsune (藤原頼経), the fourth shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, to guard the shogunate against misfortune from the northeast, and records show that a goma ritual to drive back the Mongol forces was performed here during the Mongol invasions (元寇). Anyone may attend, and no reservation is needed.

Date and Time

The ritual begins at 13:00 on the 28th of every month in the main hall and lasts about an hour. The ritual on January 28 is called Hatsu Fudo (初不動), the first Fudo Myoo festival day of the year. September 28 is the grand festival, and the image of the Five Wisdom Kings (五大明王) is given only on this day.

Highlights: Chanting Sutras and Offering Goma Sticks to the Fire

The ritual begins at the sound of a conch shell. After a talk by the head priest, attendees take up sutra books and chant together with the priests. The sutras are chanted slowly, so first-time visitors can join in. Toward the end, attendees go forward one by one before the principal deity, place a goma stick in the fire and put their hands together in prayer. The statues of the Five Wisdom Kings are also shown during this ritual.

Hospitality on the Temple Grounds

On ritual days, local goods and other items are set out on the grounds, which also become a gathering place for visitors. After the ritual, seasonal food is usually offered to visitors: warm soba noodles on Hatsu Fudo in January, watermelon in May and freshly pounded rice cakes in December.

Applying for a Goma Prayer Tablet and Notes

If you would like a goma prayer tablet with your wishes written on it (5,000 yen) or a traffic safety tablet (1,000 yen), arrive at the temple early on the day to apply, or apply in advance using the web form on the official website or by fax. The web form accepts applications until 10:00 on the day of the ritual. Payment on the day is cash only. When the main hall is full, some people attend from the garden. Photography is not allowed on the temple grounds.

Access: Visiting During Your Stay at Toshi’s Place

Take a Keikyu Bus (京急バス) on route 鎌23, 24 or 36 from the East Exit of Kamakura Station (鎌倉駅) and get off at the Sensuibashi (泉水橋) stop. The temple is a 3-minute walk from there. If you stay at Toshi’s Place, take the Enoden (江ノ電) from Hase (長谷) or Wadazuka (和田塚) to Kamakura Station and change to the bus.

Summary

The Monthly Goma Fire Ritual on the 28th lets you join prayers before the sacred fire at Myoo-in Temple, the only temple in Kamakura that enshrines all Five Wisdom Kings. The temple’s history and highlights are introduced on our Myoo-in Temple page.

Basic Information

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