Buddhist temple
Kongōrin-ji
金剛輪寺（こんごうりんじ）
Aishō, Echi District, Shiga Prefecture
A Tendai temple on Shōhōzan in Aishō, one of the Kotō Sanzan. Its principal image is Shō Kanzeon Bosatsu, called the "living Kannon", and its main hall, built in the Kamakura period and a National Treasure, remains.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal object of worship: Shō Kanzeon Bosatsu (the living Kannon)
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it was opened in Tenpyō 13 (741) by Gyōki Bosatsu at the imperial request of Emperor Shōmu, and because blood flowed from the wood of the Kannon statue he was carving, it was enshrined as the principal image in its rough-carved state. At the beginning of the Heian period Jikaku Daishi visited and it became a Tendai training place, and even in the warfare of the Sengoku period its main hall and three-storied pagoda escaped the flames.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 金剛輪寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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