Virtual Musashino 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #20 Ryuen-ji Temple

 

     Ryuen-ji Temple is said to have been founded by Jakuren (1139–1202) at the foot of Kaneko Hill sometime between 1201 and 1204.  As I said about #18 Renge-in Temple, it was almost improbable that he actually founded the temple.  The Collection of Tanka Poems by Jakuren contains the following tanka poem, which is supposed to have been written during his trip to the Kanto Region in September and October of either 1190 or 1191:

In far dead grasslands,

I can neither find a human figure nor hear insects chirping

From a humble cottage.

Presumably, literary admirers or adorers of Jakuren founded a temple in a place remembered in connection with him, commemorating his assuming an imperial compiler or his death.

     Araku literally means to open.  The area is in the west of Koyata and was developed presumably at the beginning of the Edo Period (1603-1867).

     The temple was revived by Priest Shun'yo (?-1709) presumably to meet the religious needs of settlers.

     Ryuen-ji Temple enshrines the statue of Thousand-Armed Sahasrabhuja, which is believed to have been brought by Jakuren, who is believed to have also founded Renge-in Temple.

Address: 717 Araku, Iruma, Saitama 358-0031

Phone: 04-2936-1845