Keiso Ajari’s Nyujo-kutsu (cave)

Keiso Ajari was a monk in the mid-Heian Period [of the latter 10th century]. He led prosperity to Onjoji Temple after the separation of the Tendai Sect into the Sanmon branch (Enryakuji Temple) and the Jimon branch (Onjoji Temple). He is also known for founding Bizoji Temple and Bimyoji Temple among the five branch temples of Onjoji Temple. He passed away at the age of 73 on December 22, 1018. According to one account, he confined himself in this stone cave to pray for the attainment of Buddahood in one’s present physical body, so this cave is still worshipped as the place of Keiso’s entering into Nirvana.

This large masonry stone cave was described as “Keiso’s mound” in Omi Yochi Shiryaku (a topography of Omi) created in the mid-Edo Period [of the early 18th century]. Also, Omi Meisho Zue (Illustrated famous places in Omi) created in the late Edo Period [of the early 19th century] says: “Keiso Great Ajari’s grave; inside of the approximately 10-ken (331-square-meter) stone wall, there is a stone cave. It is a dark place where Keiso was passing away, closing his eyes.”