Have you ever climbed 800 stone steps for a sacred encounter? That’s the journey to Tachiki Kannon. It is a temple known for warding off misfortune.
Tachiki Kannon stands proudly after those 800 steps. This temple has a story stretching back over 1200 years. It is a tale of faith, miracles and a deep connection to the land.
Long ago a traveling monk named Koubou-Daishi journeyed here. He arrived at the Seta River. There he saw a radiant tree on Tachiki Mountain. A white deer appeared offering him a ride. The deer carried him across the river to the tree. In a flash the deer transformed into Kannon-sama.
This sacred place became known as Shishitobi. Koubou-Daishi believed this miracle was Kannon-sama’s will. In his 42nd year a critical age in Japanese tradition Koubou-Daishi carved a life-sized Kannon statue from the tree. This act was to help people through their unlucky years.
Since then Tachiki Kannon has been a beacon of hope. People seek solace and protection here. The temple is also the 18th stop on the 33 Kannon Temple Bando Pilgrimage route.
Now I will tell you how to pray at Tachiki Kannon. Ascend the 800 stone steps. You will see a statue of Koubou-Daishi riding the deer. Visit the main temple to the left first. Pray to Kannon-sama from the front and then the back. Climb the stone steps next to the main temple. Pray at the Houkyouintou the stone structure. Continue up the steps and strike the temple bell once. Finally go to the top of the stone steps. Pray to the Okunoin the temple’s guardian god.
Tachiki Kannon teaches a profound lesson. People often forget Kannon-sama in times of ease. It is only during hardship that they seek help. Like sailors in a storm they cry out for help. But when the sea turns calm they forget their pleas.
Remember Tachiki Kannon and its message. Have faith and lead a happy life. As you descend those 800 steps may you carry the blessings of Kannon-sama with you.