Ōya Temple: A Sacred Site Embraced by Nature and Stone

Ōya History Museum

(Utsunomiya City, Tochigi)

【Magabutsu（磨崖仏）】 is a Buddhist statue carved directly into a natural rock wall or cliff. These statues can be found across Japan. These statues first appeared in Japan in the eighth century. They stand out from the rock, but their backs remain attached to it because they were carved directly from the stone wall. They were created by combining craftsmanship with artistic sensibility. The face and form of that Buddhist statue inspire reverence in all who behold it. They have long been cherished as objects of devotion by local communities.

One such magaibutsu is the Ōya Magaibutsu, located in the Ōya district of Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. This area is famous for its Ōya stone, and huge white rock walls rise dramatically in the town. Nestled against these cliffs stands Ōyaji Temple, said to have been founded in the early 9th century. Its main hall is fused with the rock itself.

The principal image of the temple is the Thousand-Armed Kannon, carved directly into the surface of the Ōya stone. For centuries, it has been deeply revered by the local people. The smooth curves of the figure give the impression of softness, and although the features have been weathered over time, you can still feel the gentle gaze that has watched over people for generations.

A legend about this statue is connected with Kūkai, one of the most famous and respected monks in Japanese history. Long ago, in the rocky mountains of Ōya, there was a valley called “Hell Valley,” said to be home to a poisonous serpent. The serpent released toxic water, feared to kill not only birds, animals, and insects but even humans who came into contact with it.

When Kūkai was traveling through eastern Japan, he heard this story and entered Hell Valley to save the villagers. More than ten days later, he emerged and told the villagers that he had defeated the serpent, then quietly left. When the villagers went into the valley, they discovered a shining statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon carved on the cliff. People began to worship the Kannon, and this is said to be the beginning of Ōyaji Temple.

There are also other legends about Kūkai in this area, but nobody knows for sure if he really came here. The fact that these stories are still told shows how much people respected him. Today, the Ōya Magaibutsu is one of only five rock-carved Buddhas in Japan recognized as Important Cultural Properties.

Photography is not allowed inside the temple. You can view the Thousand-Armed Kannon on the temple’s official website.