Jijō Temple

Jijō Temple [集徐方; じじょう・ほら] is a temple located in the city of Shinbara, Heisai Prefecture. Although not the oldest temple in the prefecture, it is by far the most popular and the largest. Legend says that it was founded by the travelling priest Ikanami in the early 8th century. Although it was originally named Honshin Temple, meaning 'one hundred lights', its name was changed in 1355 for unknown reasons.
The purpose of Jijō Temple as a place of worship has long been the subject of discourse. Native Kanshū and Summui who lived near the site believed that it enshrined fertility gods, while Kantonese villagers believed that it was dedicated to Senbarisama. For this reason the temple was eventually rebuilt in the 1400s and divided into two separate halls, where people could worship whichever gods they wanted to privately. Even now Jijō Temple is considered one of the most beloved in the prefecture and attracts thousands of visitors each year.