Virtual Eastern Edo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #13 Dorin-ji Temple

 

     Oral tradition says that Dorin-ji Temple was founded by the founder of Tentoku-ji Temple, which was founded in 1533.  Another tradition says it was founded by Priest Joa, who was the first-generation priest of Tentoku-ji Temple, and that Priest Shonen (1513-1554) founded Tenchi-an Hermitage, which later became Tentoku-ji Temple.  Presumably, Joa changed Tenchi-an Hermitage to Tentoku-ji Temple.  Anyway, Dorin-ji Temple might have been founded in the middle of the 16th century in Kanda at the bottom of the bank along the Kanda River.  As willow trees were planted to strengthen the bank, the area was called Yanagihara, namely Willow Field.

     After the 1657 Meireki Great Fire, the temple was ordered to move to its present place.

     The precincts have a Kannon-do-Hall, which enshrines an Avalokitesvara standing statue, which is said to have been carved by Ennin (794-864).  The statue is the #3 deity of the Asakusa 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, whose whole story is unknown.

Address: 2 Chome-2-10 Higashiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0025

Phone: 03-3873-6181