Gokurakuji
"Pure Land Temple (Paradise Temple)"
Wow, this is only the second (technically third if you count Mount Koya) temple and Abby and I already get to see a National Treasure. One of the legends of this temple is that it was really hard for fishermen to make a living in Naruto bay because the horizon lights scared away the fish. The fishermen then built an artificial hill to prevent this. When a temple was built it was known as the "Sun Light Mountain".
Another interesting fact about the temple is that there is a 1,000 year old cedar tree known as the Cedar of Long Life planted in the courtyard. If you pray while touching it you will be granted a long life. Nowadays the tree is very popular with women for easing childbirth. The legend that explains this is that there was a pregnant women who had miscarried several times. She walked the pilgrimage in reverse order and arrived at Temple 2 just as her labor was beginning. When she got to the temple, Kobo Daishi helped her deliver a healthy child.
Unfortunately, the original temple was burned down in the 16th Century. Apparently, many of the newer temples are dedicated to childbirth.
Geez, so much culture and history in just the 2nd temple. I don't know if my brain will be able to take in the past and legends of all 88 temples. Wish me luck.
