Before us stands Kaizando. It is also known as Founder’s Hall. This hall enshrines Shodo Shonin. He was an ascetic Buddhist monk. Shodo Shonin founded the Nikkosan. Today, this is Rinnoji Temple.
Shodo Shonin was initiated in Nara Buddhism. Later, Shodo Shonin traveled to Nikko. He went with ten disciples to establish a temple. After founding Nikkosan, Shodo passed away. He was 83 years old. He was cremated. Originally, he was buried in the upper reaches of this valley.
Around 1617, the Toshogu was consecrated. At that time, this hall was constructed. Shodo Shonin’s remains were moved behind this building. The grave is marked by a five-layered stupa. It is a tower of five stones. The stones are carved in varying shapes.
The hall was built in the seventeenth century. It is built in the style of the oldest buildings at the Rinnoji. These date back to Shodo’s time. Besides Shodo, the building enshrines ten of his disciples. It also enshrines the bodhisattva Jizo.
Each year, the founder of the temple is remembered. This happens during a memorial ceremony held here on April 1st. On July 13th, a service is held. It is for the Bon Festival. The festival venerates the spirits of deceased ancestors.
The tall cliff behind this hall is known as Hotoke Iwa. That means Buddha Rock. It was named so. Part of the surface was believed to resemble the face of the Buddha. Due to a rockfall long ago, the image was destroyed. Now, only the name remains.
There are damaged stone statues at the foot of the cliff. One theory suggests they may have fallen from the Toshogu. The Toshogu is located at the top of the cliff.
Kan-eiji Temple had large-scale precincts. In addition to the head temple, 36 branch temples were built. These were funded by donations from feudal lords. Most branch temples of Kan-eiji Temple burned down. This was during the Boshin Civil War in 1868. Imperial troops fought Shogitai at the hill of Ueno. Shogitai tried to protect the Tokugawa shogunate.
Later, the Meiji Government issued the Edict for Separation of Shintoism and Buddhism. Syncretic fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism was abolished. The government adopted an anti-Buddhist policy. This led to the destruction of many Buddhist temples.
In 1868, a movement to abolish Buddhism began. Buddhist images and altar fittings were destroyed. Buddhist rituals and events were banned. Kan-eiji Temple’s precincts were confiscated. This caused devastating damage to the temple.
Reconstruction of Kan-eiji Temple was approved in 1879. The temple was rebuilt at the present location. This is the site where Daiji-in, a branch temple, previously stood. Honjido was moved from Kita-in in Kawagoe to serve as its inner temple.