Virtual Kodama Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #13 Jofuku-ji Temple

 

     Jofuku-ji Temple was founded by Kuma Iwasaki sometime between 729 and 749.  Iwasaki was dispatched to Kyushu to guard the nation.  His wife, Matarime, composed a tanka poem:

My husband left with his favorite sword on his waist.  

I wonder in what month 

He will return.

The poem was composed on February 29th, 745, and was listed in the Man'yoshu, the Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves, which was compiled sometime after 759.  The Man'yoshu contains 20 volumes and more than 4,500 waka poems.  Her poem is in volume 20 as No. 4413.  It is unknown whether the temple's foundation was before his departure or after his return.  Besides, it is also unknown whether her husband returned or not, to begin with.

     Priest Kuyo, an apprentice of Kukai (774-835), changed the temple into Shingon Sect and renamed it to Jofuku-ji.  Kuyo also built an irrigation pond, seeing locals suffering from drought.  In such public works, Kuyo followed Kukai.

     The pond was named Maka-ike because Kuyo built the pond reciting Pancavimsatisahasrika-prajnaparamita Sutra.  The Panca part is pronounced Maka in Japanese.

     In September, 1579, Hojo Ujikuni (1548-1597) captured Hirokiyoshiwara Fortress.  Jofuku-ji Temple burned down in battle.  Later, Ujikuni revived the temple, inviting Priest Gangyo.

     The precincts have a Kannon-do hall which enshrines 100 Avalokitesvara images.

Address: 1375 Hiroki, Misato, Kodama District, Saitama 367-0118

Phone: 0495-76-2161

Maka Pond

Address: 474 Hiroki, Misato, Kodama District, Saitama 367-0118