Virtual Yashima Domain 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #29 Gassan Shrine

 

     The pilgrimage to Mount Chokai has an obverse route and a reverse route.  The reverse route is also called the Yashima Route and was said to have 18 temples to organize and support the Mount Chokai Pilgrimage.

     In 1845, however, the number increased to 24: Ganko-ji, Gassho-ji, Tofuku-ji, Hachiman-ji, Nanko-in, Kakuo-ji, Hoki-in, Kongo-in, Jissho-in, Daikyo-in, Senju-in, Fukusho-in, Tokusho-in, Kanki-in, Gyokuho-in, Bansho-in, Myoo-in, Ichijo-in, Daifuku-in, Jogaku-in, Banpo-in, Jugakuin, Shozo-in, and Itoku-in Temples.

     As Hoko-in was given its in-go in 1746 by Haguro-san Jakko-ji Temple, which used to be located at the top of Mount Haguro, Hoko-in Temple seems to have been added to the original 18 temples.

     The temple might have been abolished after the Meiji Restoration Government issued the Gods and Buddhas Separation Order in 1868, with the image of Arya Avalokitesvara, who is the human-figure prototype of the other 6 metamorphoses, moved to Gassan Shrine, to which Daishoin, the father of Wakoin, had presented the Amitabha Statue in 1677.

     In 1679 Peasant Revolt, Nizaemon of Shimojinego Village (Chokaimachi Shimojinego, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0722) made up his mind to appeal to the lord directly, without regard for his own life, and even to the Tokugawa Shogunate if necessary.  Impressed by Nizaemon's determination, the peasants secretly began preparations to go to Edo.  First, Nizaemon prepared a petition, and asked Priest Wakoin to make a clean copy of it.  Wakoin was executed in Hadaka Mori on August 23rd, 1680, for the crime of supporting the revolt.

What did Daisho-in have in his mind 2 years before the revolt and 3 years before his son's execution.  Anyway, the shrine could have functioned as the memorial of the revolt and the spirit of self-sacrifice.

Address: Gassan 18, Chokaimachi Kamijinego, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0721

Phone: 0184-59-2800