Virtrual Shinobu Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #23 Kichijo-ji Temple

 

     The precincts have itabi dated 1319-1321, 1321-1324, and 1334 with the temple name Kichijo-ji, so the temple must have existed in the 14th century at the latest.  However, according to tradition, it was founded in 1582 by Priest Kyozan (?-1625).

     The temple's main deity is Vaisravana, but the temple's name could mean Sri-mahadevi.  On April, 16th, 1914, the temple merged with a Kannon-do Hall nearby.  The hall's deity, the statue of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses, is enshrined in the main hall of Kichijo-ji Temple now.  The Shinobu Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized in 1689 with the Arya Avalokitesvara statue as its #23 deity, yet Kichijo-ji Temple was recognized as the #23 member temple.  The temple's history is full of mysteries.

Address: 1180 Shimotakayanagi, Kazo, Saitama 347-0033

Phone: 0480-65-3124