Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #33 Jiko-ji Temple

 

     Jiko-ji Temple was founded in 1249 by Priest Jiko, whose secular name was Minamoto Tsuneie, who was a 9th-generation descendant of Mitsunaka (912-997), the main lineage of the Seiwa Genji Clan.  Tsuneie was talented since he was young and was expected to become a great general possessing both wisdom and courage.  He, however, wished to dedicate himself to Buddhism.  In 1233, he resolved to become a Buddhist monk, left home, shaved his head under the tutelage of Priest Choku at Jokyo-ji Temple, and changed his name to Monk Jiko.

     The principal image of Jiko-ji Temple, a statue of Amidabuha, was recovered from the sea and is characterized by the absence of its right hand. The statue was not found as a whole piece.  Its head and feet were recovered from various locations, with its right hand remaining missing.  According to legend, the right hand was left in the sea to save fish.

     Jiko-ji Temple is located at the foot of Jikoji Tumulus.  Although the tumulus was named after the temple, the tumulus was built far before the temple’s foundation.  Did it have something to do with Jiko’s choice of the location? 

     The tumulus is a circular burial mound whose burial facility is a direct burial in a stone coffin. Rows of circular and square haniwa (clay figures) were discovered.  The mound is covered with revetment stones and surrounded by a moat.  Various types of figurative haniwa were unearthed.

Address: 12-18 Jikojicho, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0813

Phone: 079-447-1134

Jikoji Tumulus

Address: 12-12 Jikojicho, Takasago, Hyogo 676-0813

Jokyo-ji Temple

Address: 2 Chome-20-24 Namazecho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 669-1102

Phone: 0797-86-4626