Virtual Akashi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #22 Nichirin-ji Temple

 

     Nichirin-ji Temple is believed to have been founded by Gyoki (668-749) in 724.

     The temple has a waniguchi, a Japanese flat round hollow metal slit gong which was presented to Shinguhonguryo Shrine in Awa Province in 1509 by Iuchi Norimoto, who could have been a samurai steward of the Myozai Manor, in which the shrine was located.  The manor was first documented in the 1020’s.  A document dated September 4th, 1370, laments that the power of the nobles declined and that of samurai increased in the manor.

     Miyoshi Yoshitaka (1527-1562), who was from Awa Province, invaded Harima Province from 1554 to 1555.  Nichirin-ji Temple is said to have been burned down in battle and was revived by Priest Yukan later.  The gong might have been presented by the Miyoshi Clan when the temple was revived.

     The temple’s Buddhist tanka poem is:

The wishes of all pilgrims

Clear up in the clouds of their hearts

At Nichirin-ji Temple.

Address: Koyama-563 Tamatsucho, Nishi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2144

Phone: 078-928-7255 

Shinguhonguryo Shrine

Address: Nakashima Takahara, Ishii, Myozai District, Tokushima 779-3208