Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #16 Shokai-ji Temple

 

     Shokai-ji Temple was founded by Gyoki (668-749) in 730.  Fragrant wood was bestowed upon him by Emperor Shomu (701-756).  Gyoki carved the wood into the image of Cintamanicakra, who usually has 6 arms and holds chintamani (a wish-fulfilling jewel) in one of the six, and made it the main deity of the temple.

     In 1579, the temple was destroyed by fire when Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598) attacked Miki Castle.  In 1648, the Tokugawa Shogunate issued a red sealed permission to reconstruct the main hall, Amidabha Hall, and other buildings, and ordered a ceremony to exorcise Nui so as to realize social stability, and happiness and prosperity for all.  Until the Meiji Restoration, the temple  had 24 sub-temples, but most were destroyed during the Haibutsu Kishaku (literally "abolish Buddhism and destroy Shakamuni”) movement, and only 2 remain.

     On November 5, 2022, the main hall was completely destroyed by fire and the main deity was also lost.

     The temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

The evening bell rings out,

Creating a sense of impermanence in Hosho-ji Temple,

Surrounded by the twilight of other houses.

Address: Takawa-1318 Oshibedanicho, Nishi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2204

Phone: 078-994-0067

Miki Castle Ruins

Address: 5 Uenomarucho, Miki, Hyogo 673-0432

Phone: 0794-82-2000