Virtual Ika 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #6 Joko-ji Temple

     Keisoku-ji Temple used to be very large, and the area where the Joko-ji is located today used to be the western edge of the precincts.  Saicho (766-822), the founder of the Tendai Sect in Japan, invited the god of Hiyoshi Shrine, the guardian god of the sect, to the area, and established a branch shrine.  Joko-ji Temple is located in the precincts of the shrine.

     When the Asai and Oda Clans fought in the area, the shrine was burnt down.  However, the present statue of Ekadasamukha, who has 11 faces, is said to be the original one, which had been carved by Saicho himself.