When this temple was founded, water gushed from a well dug by Doryo-son. The sacred water (Kongo sui) continued to spring without drying up for 600 years. It is said that the water heals the diseases of people who drink it.
When the well was dug, it is said that they found a steel mark deep in the ground; it was called Okanoin and became a treasure of this temple.
The original name of Doryo-son was Myokaku, and he was trained at the famous sacred places, including Mt. Kimpu san in Yamato, Mt. Omine san in Nara and Mt. Kumano Sanzan.
When he heard that Zen master Ryoan Emyo, who was from the same hometown, founded Saijo-ji Temple in this place, he rushed there in the form of a “Tengu (heavenly dog)” that is a type of legendary creature found in Japanese folk religion.
He made a tremendous contribution to the construction work.
