順正寺支坊

“Whose spirit watches over this tranquil space?” a visitor once whispered at Junseiji Temple. Junseiji Temple holds a fascinating connection to the powerful Mōri clan. The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with the Takeda family. Mōri Motonari founded the temple in 1536. He built it within the ancient castle ruins. This occurred five years before the head priest, Shinko, inherited leadership. The location itself is strategic. It lies on the border between the Mori and Mōri territories. This made it a crucial point of political and military significance. The temple grounds hold remnants of the old castle walls, a silent testament to its past. Within the temple’s cemetery, tombstones bear the names of prominent figures from the 16th century. These inscriptions offer a glimpse into the lives of those connected to Junseiji. Originally a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji sect, Junseiji later converted to the Josho-ji sect during the time of the second head priest, Doka. This shift coincided with Mōri Terumoto’s patronage of the Josho-ji sect. The temple’s main icon, the Yakushi Nyorai statue, is housed in the Yakushi Hall. This statue, known as the “Junsei-ji Embrace,” offers comfort and solace to those who visit. The temple’s serene atmosphere and rich history make it a place of reflection and remembrance.