Virtual Koma 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #27 Chonen-ji Temple

 

     Chonen-ji Temple was suposed to have been founded in the 13th century since its precincts have an old itabi dated 1299.

     The Northern and Southern Courts Period lasted from 1337 to 1392.  The Northern Court was led by the Ashikaga Clan.  However, on November 30, 1351, the battle between Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358) and his younger brother, Tadayoshi (1306-1352), broke out around the Satta Pass in Suruga Province.  On January 5, 1352, Tadayoshi surrendered to Takauji, was confined to Jomyo-ji Temple in Kamakura, and died a sudden death on February 26.  It is unknown whether Tadayoshi died of a disease or was poisoned to death as “Taiheiki” (“Chronicle of Great Pease”, a Japanese historical military epic written in the late 14th century) writes.

     The Southern Court took full advantage of the breakup of the Ashikaga Clan, and occupied Kamakura on Leap February 15.  A series of battles were fought in Musashi and Sagami Provinces, and finally Takauji regained Kamakura on March 12.

     In July, 1353, Takauji returned to Kyoto and left Kamakura up to Ashikaga Motouji (1340-1367), the first Kanto Deputy Shogun.  Motouji pitched camp along Iruma River, a strategic line to defend Kamakura.  He had to stay there for 9 years to fight against the Southern Court.  As Iruma River ran near Koma County, the county became under the direct control of the Kanto Deputy Shogunate, and Chonen-ji Temple became a focal temple in the area.

     Generation by generation, the Kanto Deputy Shogunate declined, so was Chonen-ji Temple forgotten.

     It was Oishi Sadahisa (1491-1549) who revived Chonen-ji Temple.  He was the lord of Takiyama Castle and his daughter, Hisa (?-1590), was married to Hojo Ujiteru (1542-1590).  Hisa was said to have killed herself when Hachioji Castle fell in 1590.

     In 1598, Priest Genitsu (?-1603) converted the temple to the Soto Chan School.

Address: 260 Shirako, Hanno, Saitama 357-0205

Phone: 042-978-2062