Virtual Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #2 Ganden-ji Temple

 

     When Priest Tokudo (656-735) visited a hill in Kamakura, he found a cave in it.  A ray of the sun beamed into the cave, and he saw Eleven-Faced Ekadasamukha on its rock wall. 

Later, Gyoki (668-749) visited the cave and engraved Eleven-Faced Ekadasamukha on the wall. 

     It is believed Emperor Kazan (968-1008), who organized the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, visited the cave on March 17th, 990, after his retirement in 986.  Emperor Go-Shirakawa (1127-1192), who organized the Rakuyo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, is also believed to have visited the cave on April 18th, 1174.  As he left Kyoto on March 16th to visit Itsukushima Shrine in Aki Province and also visited Engyo-ji Temple in Harima Province on April 3rd on his way back to Kyoto, it's totally impossible, considering the transportation conditions in those days.  Someone might have wanted to show off Ganden-ji Temple itself or the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage at large.

     It is unknown when Ganden-ji Temple, namely Rock Hall Temple, was founded.

Address: 5 Chome-7-11 Hisagi, Zushi, Kanagawa 249-0001

Phone: 046-871-2268