Virtual Koma 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #21 Io-ji Temple

 

     Io-ji Temple was founded by Priest Eikan (?-1597) sometime between 1532 and 1554.

     In 1546, Hojo Ujiyasu defeated Ashikaga Haruuji (1508-1560), the 8th Kanto Deputy Shogun, Uesugi Norimasa (1523-1579), who was the Regent of the Kanto Deputy Shogunate and who was the last head of the Yamauchi-Uesugi Clan, and even killed Uesugi Tomosada (1525-1546), the last head of the Ogigaya-Uesugi Clan in the Siege of Kawagoe.  The victory, however, cost Ujiyasu a lot.  His territory was exhausted, and many farmers abandoned their villages and farms, and ran away.  To get the situation under control, Ujiyasu standardized the taxation system in his territory and reduced taxes in 1550.

     Did Eikan found the temple to pray for the comfort of those who had been killed in the battles over Kawagoe Castle?  Or to religiously and psychologically relieve farmers?  Or to dodge taxes for locals, taking advantage of tax exemption for temples?

Address: 1032 Haraichiba, Hanno, Saitama 357-0124