Virtual Musashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #4 Togan-ji Temple

 

     It is unknown when Togan-ji Temple, which enshrines a statue of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses, was founded.

Long, long ago, Komatsugawa Hamlet, Yoshikawa Village, Katsushika County, Shimousa Province, used to have a 60 centimeter-tall big stone.  Young people in Komatsugawa had a contest of strength with the stone during a break from work or in a village festival.They treasured and cherished the stone very much.  When they were contesting as usual, a Kisaburo of Nakai Hamlet turned up and said, "It's nothing to shoulder the stone!"  He even kicked the stone.  The young people of Komatsugawa got angry and said, "Don't be silly.  Then, you should do it."  "Well, when I shoulder the stone, I will take it to my hamlet."  Kisaburo was strong enough to hang 5 people on his arms, and shouldered the stone easily.  "If you want me to give it back, why don't you come to my hamlet?" said Kisaburo, and went back to his hamlet with the stone in triumph.

     The young villagers of Komatsugawa were frustrated and tried to carry the stone back many times.  None of them, however, could shoulder it.  So, Kisaburo entrusted the stone to Togan-ji Temple to treasure and cherish it for the youth of Komatsugawa.

Address: 3-119 Nakai, Yoshikawa, Saitama 342-0015

Phone: 048-988-0341