He was born in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, as the oldest son of Komyo OTANI (Jonyo) who was a younger brother of Kozui OTANI (Kyonyo), the 22nd chief priest of Hongan-ji Temple.
第22世門主光瑞（鏡如）の実弟大谷光明（浄如）の長男として京都府京都市に誕生。