Jul 17, 2014 - 1 min read

Statues at Asahisan Fudoji Temple

Formidable Fudomyoo statues in the morning sun

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

The ornament on his back probably signifies fire

Close up of the statue of the Goddes of Mercy for children, with a child clinging to her leg

Statue of the Goddess of Mercy with the bare rocks on her back

Small 'Mizuko Jizo' statues. 'Mizu' means water, 'ko' is child, and Mizuko signifies children who were washed away by water...usually it means babies who weren't born (died at birth or were aborted)

Small Jizo statues wearing various garments

Closer look at one of the Jizo statues. He has a peaceful look on his face

Small but formidable-looking Fudomyoo (Acala)

He has a sword in his hand...looks very angry!

He also has a sword in his hand. He must be protecting humans from harm's way

This one looks like only a child, but he is still protecting us

This statue also looks like a child in anger, with a sword in his hand

This one also stands in front of fire threatening enemies

There are many statues standing on the grounds of Asahisan Fudoji Temple in Fukui city. Built in 1711, the statues of this temple have been protecting local people here from natural disasters and evils in their lives. Asahisan can roughly be translated as 'a mountain of morning sun'. Before the temple was built, people were suffering from natural disasters. Since there was a saying here that if Fudomyoo (Acala) is placed in the morning sun he would save humans from harm's way, people built this temple at the foot of Mt. Asuwa, aka, the place under the morning sun (Asahisan) in the hope that the Fudomyoo would protect them. When you look at the formidable-looking statues of Fudomyoo here, you may probably be convinced that they could truly protect us!

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By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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Lester Goh 10 years ago

I'm not very familiar with Shinto/Buddhism, with the exception of the goddess of mercy; but the Fudomyoo have always interested me. I always look out for them when visiting temples/shrines. They look so fierce, but it's like you know you'll be well guarded inside.

Takako Sakamoto Photographer 10 years ago

Thank you Lester for your comment! Yes, they look fierce. I too feel somehow protected when I see them, but also I feel like they are mad at me and scolding me!

Olga 10 years ago

That Jizo really looks very peaceful!

Takako Sakamoto Photographer 10 years ago

Thanks Olga! But do you feel he looks peaceful?! To me he looks mad and is about to attack me!

4 comments in total

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4-1-12, Nishikida, Fukui-shi, Fukui-ken, Japan (Directions)

Lester Goh 10 years ago

Takako Sakamoto Photographer 10 years ago

Thank you Lester for your comment! Yes, they look fierce. I too feel somehow protected when I see them, but also I feel like they are mad at me and scolding me!