Chichibu Fudasho No.13 Jigen-ji Temple
Founded in 1486, Jigen-ji, whose name means “Temple of Compassionate Eyes,” takes its name from a phrase in the Kannon Sutra: “With compassionate eyes, I watch over all beings.”
The Main Hall burned down in 1880. After nearly twenty years of effort, it was rebuilt in 1901, modeled on Shimabu-ji Temple.
The Sutra Repository houses a revolving sutra wheel, dedicated in 1755, containing 1,630 scriptures. Turning the wheel is said to grant the same merit as reciting all the scriptures.
Every January and July, the temple holds festivals dedicated to Yakushi, the Buddha of Healing and Medicine. They are filled with warm and heartfelt prayers.
Chichibu Fudasho No.13 Jigen-ji Temple
- Japanese / English notation
- 旗下山 慈眼寺（きかざん じげんじ）/ Kika-Zan Jigen-ji Temple
- Location
- 〒368-0042 Higashi-machi26-7,chichibu-shi,Saitama
- School
- Soto Zen School
- Principal Image
- Sho Kannon (Sacred Kannon)
- Tagline
- A Temple Where Compassionate Eyes Lead the Way
- Blessings
- Wish Fulfillment
- Good Health
- Misfortune Prevention and Good Fortune
- Highlights
- Principal statue: This is said to have been made by Gyoki, a Buddhist monk of the 8th-century Nara period.
- New Yakushi-do Hall: This was recently built.
- The Thirteen Sacred Figures: Wooden statues inside the Sutra Repository, representing the founders of the Chichibu pilgrimage sites.
- Miracles of Kannon at This Temple
- This place was originally called Hatano-shita, meaning “under the flag,” because Yamato Takeru, a legendary warrior in Japanese mythology, raised his flag here when he pacified the eastern provinces. The temple’s mountain name is derived from this original place name.
Even before the temple was built, this place was regarded as sacred and was believed to be pleasing to the Buddhas. According to tradition, purple clouds constantly drifted across the sky, mandala flowers fell from the heavens, and celestial music was heard without end. It is said to have been a place filled with spiritual blessings.
- Nearest station
- 1-minutes walk from Chichibu Railway Ohanabatake Station.