18 Sotoku-in 宗徳院（そうとくいん）

Denomination:  Soto (曹洞宗)

Main Image:  Jizo Bosatsu (地蔵菩薩)

Location:  Matsumoto, Mishima (三島市松本)

It is said that the founding of this temple came some time in the early 1900s during the Heian period. A Shingon priest became inspired by the surrounding area and felt compelled to build a temple, in which a Jizo Bosatsu is enshrined.

Main hall

After fierce battles over power in Kyoto, Minamoto Yoritomo went into self exile in the Nirayama area. It is here where he consolidated his power and rebuilt his forces. In 1180, before entering Kamakura to do battle once again, he prayed for success and visited Mishima Shrine for one hundred days straight. He also visited this temple to offer prayers before raising arms in battle.

The main image, Jizo Bosatsu, is flanked on both sides by Seikannon image from a nearby dilapidated temple, and a wooden image of Minamoto, are all housed in the main hall which was built in 1967.

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