Virtual Settsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #6 Tairyu-ji Temple

 

     According to temple legend, Wake Kiyomaro (733-799), who was searching for a suitable site to build a temple by order of Emperor Shotoku (718-770), was attacked by assassins on this site, which is on the southern slope near the peak of Mount Mani (today's Mount Futatabi).  However, his life was saved by a dragon that suddenly appeared.  In 768, Kiyomaro received imperial permission to build a hall for the statue of Cintamanicakra, who usually has 6 arms and holds chintamani (a wish-fulfilling jewel) in one of the six.  The statue was said to have been carved by Gyoki (668-749).  When he had carved it, he bowed 3 times as he chiseled once.  Kiyomaro named the temple Mani-san Tairyu-ji.  Mani is after chintamani and Tairyu means Big Dragon.

     During the Southern and Northern Courts Period (1336-1392), Akamatsu Norimura (1277-1350) built Tatabe Castle, based on the precincts of the temple.  The castle was destroyed by frequent fires in battle, but was revived by Priest Zenmyo between 1350 and 1352, and the temple buildings were rebuilt.

     In 1375, when Emperor Go-En'yu (1359-1393) suffered palsy, Zenmyo prayed for his recovery.

     The current temple buildings were rebuilt in the Edo Period (1603-1867).

Address: Futatabiyama−1, Kobeko Jikata, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0007

Phone: 078-341-3482

Tatabe Castle Site

Address: 1-3 Kobeko Jikata, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0007