Senbon Shakadō Dai Hōonji

When I knew a sad legend of this temple, I almost dropped tears. The story was… a wife named Okame of a carpenter who acted as the leader to construct the main hall of this Buddhist temple. When he cut the important pillar of the main hall too short by mistake, she advised him to supply it with a square frame and relieved him of his hardship. Later she committed suicide before the celebration of the completion. She thought if the fact that her husband accomplished a big job with assistance of a woman who was not an expert were revealed, it would be his shame.
Okame was said to have a fair, plain and round face but have gentle and warm heart. She was always smiling and supported her husband. I look up to her. But why did she devote herself to her husband at the cost of her own life? Maybe, she could not live only in such a way, I guess. According to this legend this temple is for match making, safety of family and childbirth.
The image of Okame standing in the compound also has gentle smile. When you quarrel your husband over a trifle thing, you should come here to see the smiling face of Okame. Your anger may be subdued and say to your husband, «I’m sorry.»