Chichibu

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Sumiko Enbutsu. Chichibu

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Acknowledgments

INTRODUCING CHICHIBU

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Apparently the hall fell into ruin after his death, and another legend tells how it was revived. It happened that a poor old woman who lived in the province of Shinshū (in present Nagano Prefecture) led a penurious existence with her only daughter, who suddenly disappeared one day. Half-crazed with grief, the old woman looked everywhere, praying to Kannon for help, but in vain. She crossed the mountains and came to the Chichibu area, but collapsed from the fatigue of the journey. Semiconscious, she thought she heard her name called and, opening her eyes, saw her daughter escorted by Kannon. In appreciation of the recovery of her beloved daughter, the woman worked to restore the abandoned hall to its former beauty. Although such stories may be dismissed as mere legends, they reflect the joys and sorrows, hopes and aspirations of the local people, and indicate some of the hardships involved in a pilgrimage.

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