Title Gejou Ishi (Dismounting Stone)

  • Wakayama
Topic(s):
Historic Sites/Castle Ruins Shrines/Temples/Churches
Medium/Media of Use:
Interpretive Sign
Text Length:
≤250 Words
FY Prepared:
2019
Associated Tourism Board:
hashimoto・itokoikikankokyogikai

下乗石

この石は、馬に乗って到着した参詣者や訪問者が徒歩で寺に向かうため馬から降りるべき地点を示したものです。公家や大名でさえ、旅の最終の部分はかごから降り自分で歩くことになっていました。 慈尊院は高野山の伽藍への玄関口とされていたため、自分で歩くことは空海(諡号 弘法大師、774-835)に対する敬意の表れと見なされていました。

平安時代(794-1185)に最初に造られた時、高さおよそ3メートルのこの石柱は紀の川の近くにおかれていました。残存するのは、1540年に川が氾濫した後に回収された石柱の一部のみで、この部分は慈尊院入口正面の現在の場所に移されました。


Gejou Ishi (Dismounting Stone)

This stone marks the location where pilgrims and travelers who arrived on horseback were expected to dismount in order to approach the temple on foot. Even aristocrats and lords were required to step out of their palanquins and complete the final part of their journey on their own two feet. This was seen as a sign of respect for the priest Kukai (known posthumously as Kobo Daishi; 774–835) as Jisonin Temple was considered to be an entrance gate for the Koyasan monastic complex.

When it was originally carved in the Heian period (794–1185), the stone pillar was about 3 meters tall and positioned close to the Kinokawa River. The small section remaining is the only part that was recovered after the river flooded in 1540; it was relocated to the present spot directly in front of the entrance to Jisonin Temple.


Search