Nishiarai Daishidō Temple from "Guide to Famous Spots of Edo Vol.6"
Compiled by Saitō Chōshū, Painted by Hasegawa Settan 1834-1836 (Tempō 5 to Tempō 7) Kaga Collection 256

This is Nishiarai Daishidō, a temple of Shingon Buddhism said to have been built by Kūkai in the Heian period. The Statue of Kōbō Daishi (also known as Kūkai, a Buddhist priest), the temple's principle image, was placed on view on the 21st of each month, and traditionally attracted a large number of visitors as it was believed to ward off the evil. There remains a well in the precincts that is believed to have sprung up by virtue of Kūkai's prayers.


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