About
Deep within Kamakura, as you proceed through the grounds of Kaizo-ji Temple, enveloped in the tranquility of Ogigayatsu, you will notice a quietly standing grotto. At its far end lies the mysterious “Sixteen Wells.” In the floor of the cave, which has been hollowed out of rock, there are sixteen circular holes, each about 70 centimeters in diameter and 40 to 50 centimeters deep, arranged neatly in four rows both vertically and horizontally, each well quietly filled with water.
It is said that the name of these wells symbolizes sixteen Kongō Bodhisattvas. According to legend, Kannon Bodhisattva appeared in a dream to the temple’s founder and said, “In the latter days, people will lose their faith and suffer from many difficult illnesses. Tell Kōbō Daishi to bless this water with the merit of Kongō, and if medicine is brewed with this water and given to people, all evil diseases will be eliminated.” Afterwards, an image of Kannon Bodhisattva appeared, blessed the water inside the cave, and distributed it to people, reportedly with miraculous effects. (sorairo-net.com)
However, the true purpose of these sixteen holes remains shrouded in mystery. Some historians speculate that these holes may have served as ossuaries, that is, as “yagura.” In Kamakura, there are many examples of yagura—caves dug into cliffs—being used as ossuaries. (traveltoku.com)
In the center of the cave, a stone statue of Kannon Bodhisattva is enshrined, and below it sits a statue of Kōbō Daishi. The Kannon Bodhisattva statue is said to be a stone statue enshrined in 1446 (Bunsei 6), and before that, a bronze statue was worshipped there. Additionally, on the left wall of the Kannon statue, there was a stone slab engraved with an image of the Amida Triad’s descent, bearing an inscription from 1306 (Kagen 4), but it is now deposited at the Kamakura National Treasure Museum. (yoritomo-japan.com)
This mysterious space inspires deep tranquility and awe in those who visit. The Sixteen Wells is a place where Kamakura’s history, faith, and people’s prayers are condensed, and its enigmatic presence continues to captivate many people even today.