Statues of Jizo

Zenkoji Temple, Nagano City

These statues are displayed just outside of the Sanmon (previous page). Jizo is a savior bodhisattva who, in this life, protects pilgrims, travellers, pregnant women, babies, drunkards, little children, and all others who are in distress or danger. After death he saves the sinners from afterlife punishments. In the bottom photo, the large Jizo (1722 AD) protects the temple against fire, while the Six Jizos (Roku Jizo) in the top photo are the saviors of those who inhabit the Six Realms (hell denizens, hungry ghosts, animals, asuras, humans, and heavenly beings).