第十二番 岩間寺 Stele

Tucked away on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, the 第十二番 岩間寺 Stele marks a significant spot on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. This stele signifies Iwama-dera Temple, the twelfth temple on this sacred 33-temple journey. Our journey takes us to Mt. Iwama, where Iwama-dera (岩間寺) rests near its summit. Founded in 722 by the monk Taichō (泰澄), its formal name is Iwamasan Shōhō-ji (岩間山正法寺). The story of Iwama-dera (岩間寺) begins with Empress Genshō’s serious illness. Taichō’s fervent prayers were credited with her recovery. In gratitude, and at the Empress’s request, Taichō established Iwama-dera (岩間寺). The temple grounds are rich with wig trees. Taichō carved the temple’s main image, a thousand-armed Kannon statue, from one of these trees. He placed a small Buddha statue of Empress Genshō inside this larger Kannon. The Kannon statue at Iwama-dera (岩間寺) is known by several names, reflecting the miracles attributed to it. It is called the “Sweating Kannon” (Asekaki Kannon) because it appears to perspire, believed to be from its nightly journeys to save souls in hell. It’s also known as the “Senility Prevention Kannon” and the “Thunder Prevention Kannon”. Legend says Taichō contained the thunder god who had been disrupting the temple’s construction. The god became Taichō’s disciple and promised to protect pilgrims from thunder-related disasters. A small shrine beneath a towering ginkgo tree commemorates this legend. Iwama-dera (岩間寺) lacked a water source, so, according to legend, the thunder god, appearing as a dragon, dug a well with its claws. This spring, Raijin Tsume Hori Yōsen (雷神爪堀湧泉), is said to offer health and longevity to those who drink from it. The 第十二番 岩間寺 Stele, therefore, stands not just for the temple but also for the stories of healing, divine intervention, and the intertwining of nature and faith. It beckons pilgrims onward on their spiritual journey, reminding them of the compassion and protection offered within the sacred grounds of Iwama-dera.