Virtual Mogami 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #9 Matso-in Temple

 

     Long, long ago, an old Cercidiphyllum japonicum tree was carved into the images of Amitayus-buddha, Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses, and Mahasthamaprapta.  They were enshrined in the upper reaches of Matsuo River in Murayama County, Ideha Province.  At the turn of the 15th century, the river had a flood, which washed the 3 images away.  The latter 2 were found in Narusawa Village, and were brought halfway back to Hango Village, where Matsuo-in Temple was founded to enshrine the Buddhist images.

     Hango Village was on the side of the alluvial fan which was formed by Matsuo River, which merges into Su River.  Narusawa Village was about 1.5 kilometers downstream from the meeting point of the 2 rivers.

Address: 1600-4 Zaohango, Yamagata 990-2305

Phone: 023-688-3328