Ema (votive tablet) from the first Koshin-son statue in Japan
The Koshindo Hall of Shitennoji Temple in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City, is known as the place where the first Koshin-son appeared in Japan, and is a hall dedicated to the Shomen Kongo-doji, the principal image of the Buddha. This Shomen Kongo-doji is a secret Buddha that is only displayed to the public once every 60 years, and on the day of its display, memorial services such as the Daihannya Tendokukai (Great Prajnaparamita Reading) and Saito Ogomaku (Great Fire Ceremony) are held, attracting many worshippers. The next event will be held in 2040, and many visitors are eagerly awaiting it.
On the south side of the main hall is the Three Monkeys Hall, which enshrines wooden statues of the three monkeys: "See no evil" with their hands covering their eyes, "Speak no evil" with their mouths covered, and "Hear no evil" with their ears covered. The word "saru" (meaning "go away") sounds similar to the word for illness and disaster, and they are symbols of warding off evil, and can be seen throughout the temple grounds, such as on the bases of incense burners and stone lanterns. Ema (votive plaques) depicting the three monkeys are awarded at Koshindo. These plaques are filled with wishes for disaster and illness to go away, and for peaceful days to continue.
