Shojoshin-in
Shojoshin-in is a special head temple of the Shingon sect, located on the
west side of Ichinohashi Bridge at the entrance to Okunoin, Mount Koya,
Wakayama Prefecture.
The principal image is a statue of Kobo Daishi, which is said to have been carved by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) himself on March 20, 835, the day before his death, with the three characters "Miunkan" written on the back of the statue.
From this, it is called "Twenty Days of the Great Master" and
is currently a secret Buddha.
Every year, on the principal image's festival day (currently April 20),
it is opened to the public and a grand memorial service is held.
Founded by Kukai during the Tencho era (824-833), it was originally called
Kitabo, but was renamed Shojoshin-in by imperial decree, and later, Taira
no Kiyomori's son Munemori rebuilt the temple.
The Tale of the Heike, Volume 10, states that Takiguchi Nyudo, who had
retired to Saga Ojo-in Temple as a monk, climbed Mount Koya to break his
attachment to his lover "Yokobue" and lived in the temple.
During the Warring States period(16th century), the temple became a place
of prayer for Uesugi Kenshin, and houses many letters written by Kenshin
and Uesugi Kagekatsu. The temple also manages the Uesugi Kenshin Mausoleum
(a nationally designated Important Cultural Property) in Okunoin semetary.
Satake Yoshishige also performed a memorial service here, and letters from
Satake Yoshiaki and Yoshinori are also in the collection.
Within the grounds is a famous umbrella cherry tree, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi is said to have held a cherry blossom viewing.
Goma prayers are held every day in the goma hall.