Virtual Miki County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #33 Horin-ji Temple

 

     Horin-ji Temple was founded in 651 by Hermit Hodo.  The temple enshrines the Hayagriva statue, which is a masterpiece by a legendary Buddhist sculptor, Kasuga.

     Hodo, who traveled from India through Tang China and the Korean kingdom of Baekje to Japan from the 6th to 7th centuries.

     Kasuga is said to have worked in Kawachi Province.  Legend has it that he carved Buddhism images and statues day and night.  One day, the villagers noticed him carving something other than Buddhism images.  It became a big crane statue.  Next morning, the villagers found nobody in his house, but a big bird flying to the east in the morning glow, with something or someone on its back.

     God Onamuchi arrived at the giant rock at the foot of the hill, on which Horin-ji Temple is located, from Heaven, and was enshrined in the rift of the rock.  The temple was founded in 651 by Hermit Hodo at the top of the hill.  Following a divine message, a parishioner became a Japanese sake brewer.

     All in all, the area has been a holy place since prehistoric days, and the temple’s history is filled with legends and mysteries.

     Miki City produces the largest amount of Yamada Nishiki, a short-grain Japanese rice famous for its use in high-quality sake, in Japan.  Oh, it'snothing but the fact.

Address: 567 Hosokawacho, Miki, Hyogo 673-0703

Phone: 0794-88-2004