Prayer for safe childbirth

Q: Do I have to apply on a Day of the Dog?

You may apply on any day. Please apply whenever you feel well.

Q: Can my husband or mother apply for me?

Yes. Family members or friends may apply on your behalf. Please enter the name of the person receiving the prayer.

Q: Can I apply for both the Yakushi homa and the Jizō homa?

Yes. You can apply at each homa. We pray in the same way whichever one you choose.

Q: Can I apply from outside Japan?

Yes. Payment is in Japanese yen. If we send an amulet or talisman, overseas shipping is ¥2,000 per box.

Even when you cannot visit, we read your name aloud in the main hall

Some would like to visit on a Day of the Dog, traditionally a day to pray for a safe childbirth, but morning sickness, doctor's orders to rest, or living far away can make it difficult. Byodoji, Temple 22 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Anan, Tokushima, accepts prayer requests for a safe childbirth at the Yakushi homa and the Jizō homa. We read the names and wishes aloud in the main hall and pray that mother and child may reach the day of birth in good health.

At a glance

Homa: The Yakushi homa every Sunday at 15:00 and on the 8th at 20:00, and the Jizō homa on the 24th at 20:00 (Japan time).
Any day is fine: You need not wait for a Day of the Dog. Please apply whenever you feel well.
Family can apply: A husband, parent, or other family member may apply on the mother's behalf.
Live stream: You can join the homa from home through the live stream.
Offering: The amount is up to you; ¥500 per wish is a guideline.

Prayer and medical care

Prayer is not a substitute for medical care. Please keep up with your checkups and follow the advice of your doctor or midwife.

The homa for safe childbirth

Yakushi homa (Sundays at 15:00, the 8th at 20:00)

Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru), the principal Buddha of Byodoji, vowed to remove the illnesses of all beings and bring peace to body and mind. We pray for the well-being of the mother-to-be and for a safe delivery.

Jizō homa (the 24th at 20:00)

Jizō Bodhisattva has long been cherished as a protector of children. We pray that the new life may be born safely.

Upcoming Days of the Dog

The Day of the Dog comes around every twelve days and has long been a day to pray for safe childbirth in Japan. Days that coincide with a homa are noted below.

Sun, November 8　The Sunday Yakushi homa (15:00) and the 8th-day Yakushi homa (20:00) both fall on this day.
Fri, November 20
Wed, December 2
Mon, December 14
Sat, December 26
Thu, January 7

You may apply even if the Day of the Dog does not fall on a homa day.

How to apply

Go to the application form from the bottom of this page, and "Prayer for safe childbirth" will be filled in as the wish.
Enter the name of the person receiving the prayer, the mother-to-be. When a family member applies, choose "Wife", "Child", or another option in the Relationship field.
If there is anything you would like us to know, such as the expected month of birth, please add it in the message field.
Choose the homa date and make your offering. After you apply, we send a confirmation email.

Names can also be read anonymously. Choose "Read aloud as anonymous" on the application form.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to apply on a Day of the Dog?

Can my husband or mother apply for me?

Can I apply for both the Yakushi homa and the Jizō homa?

Can I apply from outside Japan?

Application

Sundays 15:00 / the 8th at 20:00 (JST)

Apply for a safe childbirth prayer at the Yakushi Goma

Next: Sun, November 8 at 20:00. "Prayer for safe childbirth" will be filled in as your wish on the application form.

The 24th at 20:00 (JST)

Apply for a safe childbirth prayer at the Jizo Goma

Next: Tue, November 24 at 20:00. "Prayer for safe childbirth" will be filled in as your wish on the application form.