Traffic Safety Kannon Bodhisattva Special Feature

What is the "Traffic Safety Kazenon Bodhisattva" for Memorial?　 Recommended temples and shrines for traffic safety

Author：Shirosuzume

Hello! I'm Shirosuzume, a writer who loves shrines.（*＾∋＾*）

Spring is the season when your heart is jittery and it's the perfect time to go out.
In this exciting time of year, we want to watch out for traffic accidents, where a moment of inattention can lead to catastrophe.

Do you know the "traffic safety Kanzeon Bodhisattva" erected as a memorial for those who died in traffic accidents? You may have seen it on the side of the road or in the precincts of temples and shrines.

In this article, I will be explaining Kannon, who is related to traffic safety, in connection with the Spring National Traffic Safety Campaign that is held every year at this time.

In the second half of the article, I will introduce 5 shrines and temples in Kyoto that are said to be especially helpful for traffic safety. Please stay until the end!

What is the Spring National Traffic Safety Campaign?

The National Traffic Safety Campaign is a traffic safety awareness campaign sponsored by the Cabinet Office and the National Police Agency every spring and autumn.

During the campaign period, traffic safety guidance and activities are carried out nationwide to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians, prevent accidents, and raising awareness of safe driving.

The period of the Spring National Traffic Safety Campaign in 2023 is as follows:
[Period] 10 days from May 11th (Thu) to 20th (Sat)
[0-Traffic-Accident-Deaths Day] May 20th (Sat)

※Cabinet Office official website：https://bit.ly/3Je4pMJ

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in accidents due to the spread of "road raging", "smartphone while driving", and electric kickboards.

Every one of us is expected to obey traffic rules, have a strong awareness of safety on a daily basis, and strive to prevent accidents.

Traffic Safety Kanzeon Bodhisattva to Pray for Memorial and Traffic Safety

Cenotaphs are erected in memory of those who died in accidents, disasters, wars, etc. They have been erected with prayers and admonitions to comfort the souls of the victims and to prevent the same tragedy from happening again.

Did you know that there are Kannon statues and Jizo statues that are considered cenotaphs for traffic accident victims? They are mainly Buddhist statues for memorial called "traffic safety Kanzeon Bodhisattva".

What is a "Traffic Safety Kanzeon Bodhisattva"?

「The traffic safety Kannon Bodhisattva is a statue of Kannon erected all over the country to commemorate the souls of those who died in traffic accidents and to pray for a safe world without accidents.

It is called a "traffic safety Kanzeon Bodhisattva" or “traffic safety prayer holy Kanzeon Bodhisattva".

They are enshrined in a variety of places, including temples near the accident site and roadsides. It seems that they are often erected by the relatives of accident victims as well as by volunteers.

Who is Bato Kannon?

Why are there so many Kannon statues in the first place for traffic safety prayers? One of the reasons for this is said to be related to a goddess Kannon called Bato Kannon.

Who is Bato Kannon?

Bato Kannon is an incarnation of Kanzeon Bodhisattva, a peculiar Kannon with a terrifying, enraged expression and a horse's head on top of her head.

It is said that with the power of her fierce anger, she defeats demons and all evil, and eats up human worldly desires like a horse eating grass.

Since the Nara period, Bato Kannon has been worshiped as a Kannon who protects livestock (I.e., cows and horses), which was an important part of life. It is believed that there is power to "safety during the journey (traffic)" because it protects the health and safety of horses.

[Main temples enshrining Bato Kannon]
・Kyoto Prefecture: Joruriji Temple
・Fukuoka Prefecture: Kanzeonji Temple
・Fukui Prefecture: Nakayamaji Temple
・Ishikawa Prefecture: Buzaiin Temple

Because of such background, the traffic safety Kanzeon Bodhisattva was erected to mourn those who died in traffic accidents and to pray for accident-free safety.

"Kuyo Jizoson" at Danno Horinji Temple in Kyoto

In Kyoto, there is a Jizo statue erected for such commemorations and prayers for traffic safety.

On April 12, 2012, a runaway car accident occurred in Gion, Kyoto, killing 7 passersby and injuring 12 others.
Near the scene in the precincts of Danno Horinji, the Kuyo Jizoson is enshrined for the memorial of the victims of the accident and prayers for traffic safety.

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  Danno Horinji Temple: Kawabata Gate
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  A stone Buddha is enshrined in the precincts of Danno Horinji Temple
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  Kuyo Jizoson, with a calm expression.
  Fresh flowers have been offered

At Danno Horinji Temple, a memorial service is held every year on the day of the accident. I just pray that there will be no more painful traffic accidents and for a safer world.

I sincerely pray for the repose of the souls of the victims.

Recommended Shrines and Temples for Praying for Traffic Safety [Kyoto]

You can never pay too much attention to traffic accidents. No matter how careful you are to stay safe, sometimes accidents happen. It's scary...

Did you know that there are shrines and temples all over the country that are said to have special powers for traffic safety?
In addition to traffic safety prayers and car purification, there are also special traffic safety gifts such as amulets and stickers for vehicles.

“I bought a new car, so I want to have it purified.”
“I want to send a traffic safety amulet to my loved ones so that they don’t get into an accident.
"My family has been in an accident and I would like to receive prayers at a temple or shrine that is especially effective for traffic safety."

Here are 5 carefully selected shrines and temples in Kyoto that are highly recommended for traffic safety!

1．Suga Shrine/Kotsu Shrine

Suga Shrine/Kotsu Shrine: Stone Torii

The Kotsu Shrine is said to house the god of traffic safety.
This is a shrine that has two names, Suga Shrine and Kotsu Shrine, and is known for warding off evil and bringing traffic safety.

Suga Shrine has a long history, having been built in the first year of Eiji (1142) at the end of the Heian period. When it was first built, it was located in the precincts of the current Heian Jingu Shrine and was called Nishitennosha.
The deities enshrined here are Susano-no-Mikoto and Kushinada-Hime-no-Mikoto. They are said to have powers to ward off evil and for marriage.

The main shrine, with Suga Shrine on the right and Kotsu Shrine on the left.

On the other hand, Kotsu Shrine is a relatively new shrine built in 1964 during the Showa period. The deities enshrined here are the gods of Kunado, who are said to have impeded foreign enemies.

There are reportedly more worshipers seeking traffic safety prayers and amulets at Kotsu Shrine than at Suga Shrine with its long history. Visitors come from all over the country to pray for traffic safety and no accidents.

In addition to traffic safety amulets, there are also vehicle-specific amulets as follows:
・Seat belt amulets (600 yen)
・Stickers (300 yen and 200 yen)
・Car amulets (700 yen)

Of course, you can also purify your car within the precincts. Kotsu Shrine is the only shrine in Japan for this. It is perfect for praying for traffic safety.

2．Tanukidanisan Fudoin

The entrance to the stone steps to the main hall of Tanukidanisan Fudoin: Lots of raccoon figurines!

Tanukidanisan Fudoin Temple is famous for its powers for traffic safety and is said to be the place to pray for traffic safety in Kyoto.

It is said to be the first temple in Kyoto to offer prayers for traffic safety, and many people visit to pray for their cars and motorcycles. In Kyoto, it is common to see vehicles with red traffic safety stickers (1,000 yen, etc.) labeled "Tanukidanisan."

Traffic Safety Car Prayer Hall - a place with a good view

Tanukidanisan Fudoin is famous not only for traffic safety but also for its powers of preventing cancer and curing intractable diseases. This is derived from the fact that the strong eyesight of Fudo Myo-o, the principal image of the Buddha, wards off sickness.

Like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tanukidanisan Fudoin's main hall is built in the kengai cascade style so that it touches the slopes of the mountain. Since it is a temple of Shugendo, the approach to the temple is long and tough; nonetheless, it is a reassuring temple for praying for traffic safety and recovery from various illnesses.

3．Shogyoin Temple: Wagata Jizo

Shogyoin - not open to the general public

Shogyoin Temple was founded in 1538 by Enyo Shonin, who even gave animals (monkeys) amulets bearing the name of Namo Amitabha, making it also known as the "monkey temple" due to the association.

The Hall of Wagata Jizo: Signboards and lanterns have the words "traffic safety" on them

The Wagata ("wheel-shaped") Jizo enshrined in the hall next to Shogyoin Temple is said to bring blessings on traffic safety.
Derived from the kurumaishi ("wheel stone"), this Jizo is worshiped by people who wish for traffic safety and safe travels.

Kurumaishi is a stone laid out on the road with two indentations on it to allow the wheels of a car to run smoothly. It is said that the Wagata Jizo was created from a kurumaishi that was once laid on the Takeda Highway between Kyoto and Fushimi.

The figure is a 1-meter-tall stone Buddha with a plump and merciful face. Thank you Jizo who protects the safety of passers-by.

4．Matsubara Doso Shrine

Matsubara Doso Shrine: Enshrined in the city

The Matsubara Doso Shrine is said to have existed since the Heian period. It also houses a god of traffic safety.

Dosojin is a deity who protects pedestrians by preventing demons and disasters on the road. It is also considered to be the "god of siege (i.e., disaster blocking)" that governs boundaries and has been worshiped as a guardian deity for traffic safety and travel.

The main shrine: A small but historic one!

The deities enshrined here are Sarutahiko-no-Okami and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, who are said to bring blessings for marital harmony and marriage.

Although it is a small cozy shrine that is enshrined between private houses, it has a very long history. Recommended for praying for safe travels.

５．Sainokami no Yashiro

Sainokami no Yashiro: Stone torii

Sainokami no Yashiro stands in a quiet residential area.

The deities enshrined here are Sarutahiko-no-Okami and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, just like the Matsubara Doso Shrine.
It is said to house the guardian deity of boundaries, known as the Sainokami ("god of fortune/siege"), and is said to have powers for road safety as the Dosojin who blocks disasters and evil spirits.

One of the highlights of this shrine is the "monkey god statue" that protects the demon gate.

In the corner on the east side that circles the main hall of the shrine, there is a monkey statue called Sanbaso, which faces the demon gate (northeast), and protects the capital of Kyoto from evil by saying "Monkeys (demons) leave."

Statue of Sanbaso: Wearing an eboshi hat and carrying a gohei, he watches over the demon gate.

Sainokami no Yashiro is also said to be Japan's oldest matchmaking shrine and is famous for being the strongest power spot for love.

In the precincts, sacred stones called "Ishigami-san" and "Oseki-san" are enshrined. Although they have great powers, it is said that you'll be cursed if you touch them, so be careful!

Ishigami-san: A sacred stone that has remained unchanged since the Heian period.

Although the precincts are rather small, Sainokami no Yashiro is full of attractions and powers. When you visit, be sure to take a look at the statue of Sanbaso, who keeps an eye on the demon gate.

Summary

In this article, I have explained about the Kannon known as the traffic safety Kanzeon Bodhisattva, which is a statue for praying for accident victims and traffic safety, as well as the Jizo.

I have introduced five carefully selected shrines and temples that I highly recommend for praying for traffic safety in Kyoto. If you want to purify your beloved car or pray for traffic safety, please come pay a visit.

Obey the traffic rules on a daily basis and enjoy going out with due consideration for safety.