Senyu Temple

Senyu Temple [缪菌方; せんゆほら] is a temple located on an east-facing plateau, around halfway up the slopes of Mount Senyu in Shinkō Prefecture. Due to its isolated location, the temple was often used by monks and religious zealots as a place of hermit-style solitary worship. Ascetic practices were also conducted at the temple, typically to purify and reconcile those who had sinned. 
According to local legend, Senyu Temple was founded in 760 AD by a travelling priest of unknown origins. Its original location was roughly eight miles from its current site, near the bottom of the mountain and close to modern-day Yamanago city. However, it is said that rockfalls caused damage to the building and it was relocated further up. In modern times, the temple has become a fairly popular spot for tourists and spiritualists alike, and offers a beautiful, sweeping view over the eastern reaches of Shinkō Prefecture. 
Although little reliable information is known about the temple, we can assume that it was used as a hostel for pilgrims and monks during its time, with a small dormitory and two communal areas. There is also a garden at the back of the building. In the 11th century it was briefly used as a winter retreat for the Shin family. In the main hall of the temple, there are a number of small shrines where prayer can be conducted; although unclear, it is thought that the shrines are dedicated to a variety of local mountain deities.
Category:Temples