Virtual Settsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #2 Heirin-ji Temple

 

     Prince Shotoku (574-622) is said to have founded 7 Buddhist temples in the upper reaches of Muko River.  Heirin-ji, Shioo-dera, Nakayama-dera, Shorin-ji, Enkoku-ji, and Kinryu-ji Temples are supposed to be 6 existing temples of the original 7.

     Heirin-ji Temple was revived by Nun Nyoitsu, who was a daughter of Wake Matsuna (783-846), a high-ranking officer in the Imperial Court.  She became a waiting maid of Nun Nyoi (803-835).  Nyoi used to be one of the wives of Emperor Junna (786-840, reigned 823-833).  When Junna was still Prince Otomo, he married Crown Princess Koshi (789-809), who was his sister by a different mother, and who died before Otomo=Junna succeeded to the throne.  She gave birth to Prince Tsuneyoshi (805-826), Princess Jishi (809-885), Princess Ariko (?-862), and Princess Sadako.  The marriages of Ariko and Sadako weren't recorded. 

     Some say Junna married Nyoi after his coronation, but she wasn't officially recorded as an empress and soon became a Buddhist nun in Kanno-ji Temple in 828.  Nyoitsu followed Nyoi.

     In 823, Junna married Empress Seishi (810-879), who was his niece.  She gave birth to Prince Tsunesada (825-884), Prince Motsada (827-869), and Prince Tsunemune (829-842), who died at the age of 13.

     As you see, even princesses and princes died young and the infant mortality rate was quite high in those days.  It is quite possible Nyoi's baby or babies died quite young and she despaired of life.

Address: 4-7 Yashirocho, Takarazuka, Hyogo 665-0071

Phone: 0797-72-7499

Kanno-ji Temple

Address: 25-1 Kabutoyamacho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 662-0001

Phone: 0798-72-1172