Fire offering : Ogoma

Gomagi and Ogoma Kigan

The Japanese word Ogoma refers to the sacred burning of an object during a Ogoma kigan an esoteric fire ritual. Here at Nishi Arai Daishi a special wooden piece, Gomagi, inscribed with prayers or wishes is burned in the center of the Gomadan, a fire-alter. The Gomadan is positioned in front of the principal image of the Buddha where the Gomagi are lit by the fire of Tomyo, a flame taken from the candle representing the light of the Buddhaʼs wisdom. It is believed that the flame carries the prayers and wishes to the gods providing succor and purifying the soul.

There are three types of Gomagi, of which the thickest, called Dangi, are assembled into a low square tower in the Gomadan by alternately stacking them in parallel layers. Dangi is considered the most important item for the burning and is also an offering to the Buddha.

To participate in the Ogoma kigan, you write your wish or prayer, one per piece, on the Gomagi. The Gomagi are offered to be burned in the ritual flame that delivers your prayers and feelings to the gods.

How to use Gomagi

• Advise the attendant at the Ogoma reception office (to your left while facing the front of the Main Hall) to place a request for Ogoma
• Return the request form with the payment (500yen).
• After purchasing your gomagi, write your Ganmoku（wishes） or prayer and your name on it and place it as an offering on the back pedestal.