Sensoji Temple in Asakusa: Dedicated to Bodhisattva of compassion

Sensoji temple is also known as Asakusa temple. This is one of the most colourful and popular temples located in Asakusa. Kannon, the Goddess of mercy, is the deity. Asakusa means grassland and Senso or Asakusa means shallow grass. The temple was established in 645 AD. a Buddhist priest named Shokai came to this region and built a hall for Kannon. Asakusa is now the commercial and residential zone of Tokyo. Kaminarimon is its main gate and is also known as thunder gate. This gate is the icon of the entire Tokyo. This enormous red and black lantern shaped gate was first built around the year 942.

Nakamise is the second gate. The approach road from outer gate Kaminarimon to this second gate is flanked on either side by many small shops of souvenirs and eateries. They remind us of approach roads of our temple complexes which are also full of shops of flower and Prasad offerings for the God. This shopping street has a history of many centuries. The street runs for 250 meters. Nakamise shopping street is believed to have been established in between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In 1885, the street was modernised and the old shops replaced by red brick buildings typical of that era. Sadly these buildings were completely destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Today these structures are out of concrete yet have a very typical traditional look with red lanterns hanging. Creating an ambience to gradually focus the mind of the devotees towards the deity of the temple while approaching, is the modern principle of design, which has been so beautifully achieved by Nakamise shopping street. All the five senses are evoked by the colours and fragrance of the street.

The Temple’s main hall and five-storied pagoda were also destroyed multiple times in the wars, natural disasters and fire, and was reconstructed again and again. However, on March 10th 1945, the entire temple was completely destroyed in the firebombing of Tokyo and has been re-built again; demonstrating the fact that the buildings may be destroyed yet faith is eternal.