Virtual Kako County Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #5 Kannon-ji Temple

 

     The exact founding date of Kannon-ji Temple—the 5th station of the Kako County Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage in Arai Village, Harima Province—remains obscure. Interestingly, Kannon-ji Temple is located in close proximity to Risho-ji Temple—the 4th station of the Kako County Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage—, and both belong to the same Buddhist sect, the Pure Land Buddhism. This unusual clustering raises questions regarding how they divided their respective "service areas" or parishioner bases.

     A crucial clue lies within the temple precincts. According to the historical record of the Gorinto (Five-Ring Pagoda), the eminent priest Shunjobo Chogen (1121–1206) visited Arai Village between 1204 and 1206. Striking the ground with his staff and bowing in reverence, he decreed that a temple be erected on that very spot. Today, this site is marked by the Gorinto, widely revered as the Memorial Pagoda of Priest Chogen.

     Appointed as the Chief Solicitor (Daikanjin) for the reconstruction of Todai-ji Temple in 1181, Chogen dedicated the remainder of his life to restoring the Great Buddha, its main hall, the Great South Gate, and other structures. It is highly probable that his visit to Arai Village was part of these fundraising and resource-gathering efforts. Furthermore, given Chogen’s well-known dedication to public works—following the tradition of Priest Gyoki (668–749)—it is reasonable to infer that Kannon-ji Temple initially functioned as a strategic local office or logistics hub for his grand enterprise. Although Chogen belonged to the Huayan School of Buddhism, Kannon-ji Temple was likely transferred to Pure Land Buddhism in later years as the sect gained widespread popularity in the region.

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