Virtual North Settsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #24 Shaka-in Temple

 

     According to temple legend, Empress Okinagatarashi returned triumphantly from Baekje with the Buddha's relics, a Tarahobachi bowl.  Because Buddhism had not yet arrived in Japan, the relics were hidden in Hachizuka during the reign of Emperor Tarashinakatsu, fearing they would be scattered.  Later, Gyoki (668-749) had a spiritual dream in which he excavated the relics from the cave, and by imperial order of Emperor Shomu (701-756), he built a temple.  Gyoki also personally carved statues of Eleven-Faced Ekadasamukha, Acalanatha, and Vaisravana, and enshrined the statues with the relics.  He named the temple Hattara-san Jakuo-ji Shaka-in, named the village Sonbachi.

     It is unknown whether the legend is believable or not.  First of all, Tarashinakatsu was Okinagatarashi's husband and died before she invaded the Korean Peninsula.  Second, it is unknown whether Shaka-in Temple was Jakuo-ji Temple itself or a branch of Jakuo-ji Temple.

     In a fire in 1573, the temple's buildings and treasures were destroyed.  In 1589, Priest Denyo rebuilt it.  In 1840, it was burned in fire, and was rebuilt in June, 1865, by Priests Sojo and Kanjo.

Address: 3 Chome-4-6 Hachizuka, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0024

Phone: 072-761-8761