Virtual Adachi Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #15 Myoraku-ji Temple

 

     Myoraku-ji Temple is said to have been founded by Priest Ehan, who was the priest of Meigetsu-in Temple in Kamakura, in Mamuro Village, Adachi County, Musashi Province, sometime between 1394 and 1427 to pray for the comfort of Uesugi Norikata (1335-1394), who was the 5th head of the Yamanouchi-Uesugi Family and who was the Regent of the Kanto Deputy Shogunate.  Before he died, Norikata founded Meigetsu-in Temple in Kamakura, and he was buried there.  Who supported the foundation of another temple for him in Konosu?  It's just unknowable.  His wife's name wasn't recorded.  If they had married for convenience, his father-in-law's name should have been recorded.  Her grave is said to be located in Meigetsu-in Temple too.  

The mystery remains a mystery.  The answer to the question might have something to do with her birth.  It might be fancy to daydream it was Norikata's wife who actually founded Myoraku-ji Temple in her hometown, since the Nagao Family, vassals of the Uesugi Family, expanded their power as they produced a number of wives of their employers.  In medieval times, it was said that having children is a woman's battle.  Did she win her battles?

     The main daity of Myoraku-ji Temple is Shogun-Jizo, a Buddhist version of Atago Gongen.  Shogun-Jizo is armed Ksitigarbha on a warhorse.  The dieity wa loved by samurai.  Its Adachi Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #15 deity is Horse-Headed Hayagriva.  How much did Norikata love horses!  Or was it Norikata’s wife who loved horses?  Or was it horses that loved Noritaka and his wife?  Mamuro literally means Horse House.

Address: 2965-2 Haramamuro, Konosu, Saitama 365-0043

Phone: 048-543-1257

Meigetsu-in Temple

Address: 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062