写真

This photograph was taken in Fukagawa Fudoson in Monzen-Nakachō, the Tokyo downtown area. There is a wish of the Edo townsman who would like to worship at principal image Fudo Myōō of the Narita-san, and it was built on this ground at 1703 of Edo period（1603�1868）as the branch temple of the Narita-san, Chiba. In this background, there is fast increase of the economic strength of the townspeople supporting the Edo as the center of economy and commerce. They were deeply involved in Acala (a guardian deity primarily revered in Vajrayana Buddhism in Japan) in order to ask for prosperity in business, success in life, the safety of the family, etc. When this temple with many visitors and the store which crowds round around it are seen, this seems to one big business. Although I am unacquainted with religion, that such a temple town is prosperous still now may be a proof that many people are asking religion for help or profits in the inside of deep psyche.

(p.s.)
1. Explanation of each item
Upper left: The approach which leads to Hondo (Main hall)
Upper right: The temple office to which a charm etc. are sold to or it applies for prayer
Lower left: Fudo Myōō who is doing the look of anger so that all evil spirits and illusion may be conquered
Lower middle and lower right: Buddhist deity of mercy

2. The elderly woman who leans on faith of religion