Virtual Quasi-Saigoku Inage 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #8 Ryugen-ji Temple

 

     It is not recorded when Ryugen-ji Temple was founded.  The temple has the 9-centimeter-tall Mahakala statue, which is said to have been carve by Saicho (767-822).  He carved it in a faithful and respectful manner: as he chiseled once, he made 3 deep bows.  The research of Kawasaki City suggests it’s the oldest statue of Mahakala in Japan.

     Priest Ryosen of Shugaku-in Temple in Shimotsuke Province gave the statue to Priest Senkai of Shindai-ji Temple.  Senkai revived Ryugen-ji Temple, and gave the temple and the statue to Priest Senkei.

     The temple also has the statue of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of other 6 metamorphoses.  The statue is said to have been carved by Ennin (794-864).

     It is unknown whether the foundation of the temple goes back to the time of Saicho and Ennin or, presumably, on one of Medieval days.

Address: 3 Chome−11−25 Seki, Tama Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-0022

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