Virtual Old Mutsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #6 Kosho-ji Temple

 

     Kosho-ji Temple was founded in Hienuki Couty, Mutsu Province, in 843.

     Shiwa Fortress was built in Mutsu Province in 803.  In 811, Shiwa, Waga, and Hinue Counties were organized.  Military rule was imposed in the counties, which were along the northernmost frontline of the Imperial Army.

     The Five Wisdom Kings, or 5 Vidya-raja, were enshrined in the temple.  The 5 are Acalanatha, Trailokyavijaya, Kundali, Yamantaka, and Vajrayaksa.

     According to another legend, God Wuta came from the North Sea.  He asked Kotan for a night stay but was refused.  He asked Somin, Kotan's younger brother, and was accepted.  Several years later, Wuta visited Somin again and guaranteed the good health of Somin and Somin's offspring.  It is interesting and suggestive that Wuta came from the north not from the central part of Japan.  We tend to think that something advanced would always come from the west.  Some, however, could have come from the north.

     In the 1190's, the villagers started the Somin Festival as a naked festival.  In Iwate Prefecture alone, 8 popular Somin Festivals are held annually.  However, the festival in Kosho-ji Temple scheduled in February, 2024, was canceled due to the aging population.

Address: Dai 11 Chiwari-49 Ishidoriyacho Godaido, Hanamaki, Iwate 028-3141

Phone: 0198-47-2230