Renkoji Temple

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Renkoji Temple is believed to be the place where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose ashes has been preserved since September 18, 1945. The small well-preserved temple was established in 1594 inspired by the God of Wealth and Happiness. It belongs to the Nichiren sect of Buddhism that believes that human salvation lies only in the Lotus Sutra.

The ashes came to the temple only for the purpose of a funeral ceremony but Rev Mochizuki, father of the present chief priest, agreed to keep them in safe custody. Netaji’s associates observe his death anniversary on August 18 at the temple every year.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee first visited the temple when he was India’s Foreign Minister during the Janata Party rule. He later visited it during his official visit to Japan on December 9, 2001. Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was the first dignitary to visit the site in October, 1957. The then President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, followed him a year later and Indira Gandhi made her trip in 1969. In 2000, the then Indian Minister of External Affairs, Jaswant Singh, had visited the temple in November.