Virtual Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage #18 Godo-ji Temple

 

     Godo-ji Temple was revived by Priest Shogaku in 1595.

     Godo-ji Temple is located along the foot of the river terrace where Myoken Seven Wells are distributed.  Myoken is thought to have originated from folk beliefs deifying the northern pole star and/or the Big Dipper that had syncretized with Buddhism.  Ancient locals regarded the wells as the gifts from Myoken.  Thus, the precincts of Godo-ji Temple might have been regarded as a holy place even before its foundation.  Actually, according to tradition, there used to be a Shinto shrine in the precincts of Godo-ji Temple.  The shrine declined and locals consulted about its revival.  However, the maiden in the service of the shrine sent a divine message that it should be revived as a Buddhist temple.  The locals followed it, naming the temple Fudo-ji.  As Fudo-ji Temple belonged to Shugen-do, mountain asceticism, it was transferred to the Soto School and was renamed Godo-ji.  The exact dates of the foundation of Fudo-ji Temple and its transformation into Godo-ji Temple are unknown.

Address: 5 Shimomiyajimachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0021

Phone: 0494-25-0598