Lmst

Interestingly, when the temple was being built in 749 an old bell was dug up. Dated to the Yayoi period, it proves that the strange formation of wollastonite has been worshipped since ancient times.

In 2007 the wollastonite was named 1 of Japan’s top 100 geological features.

Caught in a hail storm during a visit to Ishiyama-dera in 1690, Matsuo Bashō (松尾芭蕉) composed this poem...

scattering on the stones
of Mount Ishiyama-
these hailstones
石山の石にたばしるあられかな

#Ishiyamadera #wollastonite #Shiga

Ishiyama-dera sits on a huge formation of wollastonite rock.

The rock formation beneath the sutra store has been worn smooth by thousands of people who come to sit here (especially women hoping for an easy childbirth).

A passage worn into the rocks at the mountain base below Ishiyama-dera's precincts.

Beneath the stone steps that climb up the temple proper is a passage worn into the rock. It is said wishes are granted to those that pass through 'kuguri-ishi' (くぐり石 the 'side door rock').

After only a few weeks of prayer gold was discovered in March 747 in Mutsu Province.

The emperor wished to build a grand temple for Kannon closer to Nara, but Rōben insisted that they continue to worship on the sacred rock formation.

In 749 Ishiyama-dera (石山寺) was officially founded, continuing to double as a lumber (and now gold) distribution site for Tōdai-ji.

#Ishiyamadera #石山寺 #Shiga #滋賀県 #Todaiji #東大寺 #GreatBuddha #大仏 #Nara

Looking out from the main hall of Ishiyama-dera (which is built on stilts on the steep mountain slope).

Nao-san navigates the steps that wind down the mountain slope from the precincts of Ishiyama-dera.

The Genji-no-ma room in the main hall of Ishiyama-dera.

Many places, Ishiyama-dera being a famous example, had their own moon-viewing pavilions (月見亭).

Legend has it that on the 15th night of the 8th month in 1004 Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部), on retreat with her mistress Empress Shōshi at Ishiyama-dera (石山寺), was inspired to write 'The Tale of Genji'.
The event is immortalized in the temple's 'Genji Room'.

#Ishiyamadera #石山寺 #MurasakiShikibu #紫式部 #Shiga #滋賀県 #Japan

Legend has it that whilst staying at Ishiyama-dera Murasaki Shikibu was inspired to take up pen and start writing The Tale of Genji beneath the full moon.

Ishiyama-dera is famed for its unusual rock formation.

Statue of Murasaki Shikibu at Ishiyama-dera.

We cannot be certain where Murasaki penned her novel, but it is likely the earliest chapters would have been written at Tsutsumi-tei (堤第).

Other historians suggest the first 11 'books' were written at the nearby 'Hanachiru-sato' (花散里), residence of the Governor of Kii.

#Shiga #Ishiyamadera #石山寺 #滋賀県 #MurasakiShikibu

Legend has it that on the 15th night of the 8th month in 1004 Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部), on retreat with her mistress Empress Shōshi, was inspired to write The Tale of Genji.

Although she had likely already begun her book, the event is still immortalized at the temple (源氏の間).

#TheTaleofGenji #MurasakiShikibu #紫式部 #Japan #Ishiyamadera #石山寺 #Shiga #滋賀県