Virtual Kako County Chichibu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #22 Chotoku-ji Temple

 

     Chotoku-zenji Temple is said to have been founded either in 1574, in 1583, or in 1584 in Higashi-Futami Village, Kako County, Harima Province. The current head priest is the 17th to hold the position.

    The temple gate was erected in 1719.  A massive fire in Higashi-Futami Village in November 1790 destroyed all records, so its detailed history remains unknown. The principal image is Vajrasana, flanked by Ananda and Mahakashyapa, forming a triad.

     Although the temple suffered damage during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake on January 17th, 1995, major renovations, including the reconstruction of the main hall, were completed in May, 2005, resulting in the temple's current state. The temple gate, which was originally located on the south side, was dismantled, repaired, and relocated to the east side. Additionally, the Ragaraja Hall, which enshrined the temple's guardian deity, was partially destroyed in the earthquake and subsequently demolished; the deity is now enshrined in the ihai-do (memorial tablet hall) located behind the main hall. It is rare for Ragaraja to be enshrined as a temple's guardian deity.

Address: Higashifutami-1695 Futamicho, Akashi, Hyogo 674-0092

Phone: 078-942-1175