Virtual Edo Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #28 Honsen-ji Temple

 

     Honsen-ji Temple was founded by Priest Yugei (?-1507) in Yazu, Odawara, in 1501.  Ise Shinkuro seized Odawara Castle from 1495 to 1496, and established ruling the surrounding area in 1501.  When Toyotomi Hideyoshi seized Odawara Castle in 1590, the temple burned down.  The 6th priest of Honsen-ji Temple, Monga (?-1616), founded another Honsen-ji Temple in Yaesugashi, Edo, in 1595, supported by Okachi (1578-1642).

     The Parents of Okachi are unknown.  Some said she was adopted by Ota Yasusuke (1531-1581).  Some others said she was adopted by Hojo Ujiyasu (1515-1571).  Some others said she was adopted by Toyama Tsunakage (1513-1564) or was his daughter.  In 1590, when Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616) moved to the Kanto Region, she started working for the Tokugawa Family in Edo Castle at the age of 13.  Later, she became a concubine of Ieyasu, and gave birth to his last child, Ichihime, in 1607, when Okachi was 30 years old and Ieyasu was 65.  Ichihime died at the age of 4.  Ieyasu worried about Okaji's position in the Tokugawa Clan, and had his 11th son, Yorifusa (1603-1661), his grandson, Matsudaira Tadamasa (1598-1645), and his granddaughter, Furihime (1607-1659), adopted by Okachi.

     Whether it was because of that or not, Okachi was more vigorous and smart than ever.  When ieyasu was talking with his vassals over what was the most delicious, they didn't reach agreement.  Ieyasu asked Okachi, who was waiting on him there,  the same question.  She answered, "It is salt.  Nothing is more handy and tasty."  All those present were impressed with the unexpected reason.  Ieyasu asked,"What does then taste most awful?"  “It is also salt," answered Okachi without hesitation.  "However tasty it may be, too much salt spoils every and any food."  They admired her wit.

     When Ieyasu seized Osaka Castle in 1614 and 1615, Okachi followed him in male attire by riding a horse.  Ieyasu also loved her frugality.  She wore a single kimono, washing it carefully and repeatedly.

     As Honsen-ji Temple was large, it was used as accommodations of the Joseon Tongsinsa

     The 1657 Meireki Great Fire, which burned 60-70 percent of Edo and killed 30-100 thousand people, caused the temple to burn down and was moved to Bakuicho Uemachi in 1606. After the 1683 Tenna Great Fire in Edo, which killed more than 3,500 people, the temple was moved to its present place.

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