Virtual Okitama 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #19 Sasano-dera Temple

 

     Kotoku-in Temple was founded by Priest Yunichi (1395-1472), who was known for his prayer for fire prevention and fire control, in Sasano Village, Okitama County, Dewa Province.

     Yunichi was born to Okama, a servant of a wealthy farmer, and was a fatherless child.  One day, Okama drowned, and he was raised by a priest of Henjo-ji Temple.  In 1422, Yunichi was engaged in ascetic practices in Mount Koya at the age of 27.  After he returned to Dewa Province, he revived Henjo-ji Temple.  In 1436, he visited Mount Koya again at the age of 41.  After his retirement, he stayed in Joraku-in Temple.  On January 13th, 1472, he abruptly disappeared at the age of 77.  Even today, the locals visit the well, with whose water Yunichi was given his first bath, on the first Water Dragon day of a year, and sprinkle its water over their roofs to prevent fire.  Why don't you visit the well on January 23rd, 2025?

Address: 5686-5 Sasanohoncho, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-1445

Phone: 0238-38-5517

Well of Priest Yunichi's First Bath

Address: 3869 Ikagawa, Nagai, Yamagata 993-0072

Henjo-ji Temple

Address: 14-8 Yokomachi, Nagai, Yamagata 993-0087

Phone: 0238-88-2285

Joraku-in Temple

Address: 10-38 Sakaemachi, Nagai, Yamagata 993-0084

Phone: 0238-84-1670