Sho-Go-Ku Dai Goma (Great Fire Ritual)

Sho-Go-Ku Dai Goma (Great Fire Ritual)

On September 28, the Main Hall of Senso-ji Temple will solemnly hold the "Sho-Go-Ku Dai Goma." This is a special goma fire ritual performed on the Fudo Myoo festival days, which come around three times a year in January, May and September. Since ancient times, many worshippers have visited to entrust their wishes for family safety, business prosperity, protection from misfortune and more.

The flames burned on the goma altar are said to be the fire of wisdom of Fudo Myoo (Acala), and the sound of sutras chanted alongside the flickering flames brings a solemn atmosphere to the Main Hall. Repeated on each festival day rather than only once a year, this ritual is also cherished as a seasonal milestone deeply rooted in life in Asakusa.

On the day, in the Main Hall enveloped in a majestic atmosphere unlike any other, you will be able to feel up close how prayer is put into each and every movement of the monks.

As signs of autumn begin to appear, why not visit Senso-ji for worship and experience the solemn atmosphere of the Sho-Go-Ku Dai Goma? A quiet moment of pressing your hands together in prayer, away from the daily hustle and bustle, should be a valuable opportunity to calm your mind.