Dedication and Eternal Memorial Service of "500 Arhats" of Oiwasan Bishamonten

500 Arhats (The Five Hundred Arhats) are the 500 disciples who accompanied the Buddha (Shakyamuni), or the disciples who gathered for the first gathering (ketju, compilation of Buddhist scriptures) after the Buddha's death. The saints who, after severe ascetic practices, destroyed their worldly desires and attained true wisdom were called arahants and praised.

Later, it is said that the "A" character was gradually dropped and the name "Arhat" came to be used. There are 16 Arhats, 18 Arhats, and 500 Arhats, and they have been used in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia, as well as in China, as Buddhist statues and paintings in temple buildings for prayers. The Five Hundred Arhats were introduced to Japan from China during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and are dedicated and prayed for in the precincts of temples.

*The above photo is part of the Five Hundred Arhats installed on the west side of the main hall of Oiwasan Bishamonten. Click to view the VR tour.

Oiwasan Bishamonten accepts offerings of stone statues of 500 arhats as a perpetual prayer in conjunction with the renovation of the temple grounds in 2022.
After placing a sutra tube filled with sutras in the womb, the statue will be enshrined in the mountain of Mt. Oiwa.
At the present time, the Arhats are enshrined at two locations: along the approach from the Otokozaka entrance to the Onnazaka slope, and in the Onnazaka Park.

1. The figure differs according to the arhat.
2. It is approximately 45 cm in size and made of white granite.
3. The name and dedication date are engraved on the base.
4. A sutra tube (made of stainless steel) is delivered to the womb.
5. In the sutra case, you can deliver a copy of the Heart Sutra and your wishes (hair, prayer beads, letters, etc., upon request).

Eternal Prayer and Dedication Fee for the 500 Arhats

• Dedication fee along the approach from Otokozaka entrance to Onnazaka: 320,000 yen
• Onnazaka Park dedication: 360,000 yen

(1) Application

Please apply in person at the main temple or through the inquiry page on the website.

(2) Talk with our priests

We will talk with you and ask you about your wishes and prayers. We will choose the best suited Arhat for you. If you already have a specific Arhat of your choice, please let us know.

(3) Stone statue production and sutra cylinder deliverable preparation

We will begin work on the Arhat statue. In the meantime, please prepare the sutra to be delivered in the sutra case and any other items you wish to deliver (e.g., hair, prayer beads, letters, etc., upon request). Normally, it is expected to take about 3 to 4 months.

(4) Enshrinement in the mountain and ceremony to open the eyes

The temple will be enshrined in the mountain and an eye-opening ceremony will be held in the presence of everyone present.

For inquiries and applications regarding the 500 Arhats of Oiwasan Bishamonten, please use the inquiry form.

Inquiry form

You can also visit the reception desk in the main temple of Oiwasan Bishamonten and the temple office (left side of the main temple) in the precincts of the temple.