Virtual Saitama City Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage #24 Hojo-in Temple

  

     It is unknown when Hojo-in Temple was founded in Nakagawa Village, Adachi County, Musashi Province.  It wasn't recorded when the temple was abolished with its graveyard left behind.  The temple is said to have been abolished after the fire in the Meiji Period (1868-1912).  Near the graveyard, you can still find Hojoin Shita Bus Stop, literally the bus stop at the foot of Hojoin.

     The temple used to enshrine Cintamanicakra, who usually has 6 arms and holds chintamani (a wish-fulfilling jewel) in one of the six.  The image is enshrined in the Saitama City Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage #23 Enzo-in Temple.

     The Buddhist tanka poems of Enzo-in and Hojo-in Temples refer to Enzo-in Temple as a lower temple and Hojo-in Temple as an upper temple, as Hojo-in Temple was located about 5 kilometers upper along the Shiba River:

However clear the upper stream may be

The lower temple resides

Along the gracious depth of Naka River.

I have climbed up to the upper temple

Counting on its guidance

Fur up to heaven.

Enzo-in Temple

Address: 540-1 Nakagawa, Minuma Ward, Saitama, 337-0043

Phone: 048-683-3227