ANRAKUJI TEMPLE
Anrakuji Temple Kyoto is one of the temples along Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk. Anrakuji Temple is very popular in cherry blossom season, early summer for its azaleas and late autumn for its leaves of red and orange.
Anrakuji Temple was the training temple of the priest Honen (1133-1212). The consorts of Cloister Emperor Gotoba, Matsumushi and Suzumushi, left the palace to become Buddhist nuns. Matsumushi and Suzumushi were greatly moved by his disciples Oren and Anraku. Enraged the cloister emperor ordered the execution of the two priests and exiled Honen. In 1681 the Anrakuji Temple was founded and dedicated to the souls of executed priests. The wooden statues of Oren, Anraku, Matsumushi and Suzmushi remind visitors of that tragedy. On July 25 every year the temple serves its famous 'Kabocha-kuyo' or plates of pumpkin to visitors, as they are believed to prevent palsy.
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