石上寺, Buddhist temple in Kumagaya, Japan.
The temple is a Buddhist sanctuary in Kumagaya featuring traditional Japanese architecture across multiple structures including the main hall, bell tower, and Niomon gate. The complex belongs to the Shingon Buddhist Chizan sect and preserves a sacred Thousand-Armed Kannon statue as a central religious object.
Founded in 1671 by Takei Shinzaemon Nobutake, the father of monk Eiko, the temple was established as part of the Shingon Buddhist movement. Since its founding, it has played a role in the region's religious landscape and continues to attract pilgrims today.
The temple forms part of Kumagaya's Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage circuit and houses a statue dedicated to Bishamonten, the deity of fortune and warriors. Visitors can observe this veneration reflected in the temple's altars and prayer spaces.
The temple is accessible by bus from Kumagaya Station to the Shoden-mae stop, followed by a short walk to reach the grounds. Comfortable shoes are recommended since visitors walk between several buildings and prayer areas while exploring the complex.
The temple takes its name from the nearby Hoshikawa pond, which has supplied water to the grounds and surrounding area for centuries. This connection to nature remains a quiet feature of the place and its surroundings.
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