Virtual Tama River 34 Kannon Pilgrimage #30 Myoken-ji Temple

     Myoken Shrine was founded in 760, and Myoken-ji Temple was built as its shrine temple in 1112.

     Priest Dochu, one of the disciples of Priest Jianzhen (688-763), was spreading Ritsu School to eastern provinces, based in Jiko-ji Temple in Hiki County, Musashi Province.  In 758, the news of the An Lushan Rebellion in Tang China was brought to Japan.  In 759, Fujiwara Nakamaro (706-764) started preparing for the war against Silla.  Emperor Oi (733-765) ordered temples and shrines to pray for the victory against Silla.  Dochu prayed to Sudrsti for 7days and 7 nights.  Sudrsti appeared on a blue dragon, and the national crisis disappeared.  The Emperor ordered the Provincial Governor to build a shrine for Sudrsti, Myoken Shrine.

     Actually speaking, it was Empress Abe (718-770) who stopped the preparation, killing Nakamaro in 764.

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