Virtual Shonai 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #1 Shozen-in Temple

 

     Tradition says that Shozen-in Temple was founded by Ennin (794-864) sometime between 806 and 810.  However, he entered Enryaku-ji Temple in 808 and became a Buddhist priest in 815.  He might have been busy practicing Buddhist religious austerities in the temple.  He is believed to have founded more than 700 temples on the one hand.  Many temples and shrines are believed to have been founded in 807 on the other hand.  The 2 beliefs could have been combined in Shozen-in Temple's case.

     In 1193, Minamoto Yoritomo (1147-1199) presented Kogane-do Hall, namely Gold Hall, to the temple.  The temple must have been founded sometime between the 9th and 12th centuries.  In 1596, Naoe Kanetsugu (15601620) and Amakasu Kagetsugu (1550-1611) repaired the hall.

How bright and reliable

The Gold Hall is!

No oath shall come to an end.

Address: 232 Haguromachi Touge, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0211

Phone: 0235-62-2380