KoyaQuest
Sammaidō
Sammaidō
Sammaidō
The predecessor of the present-day Sanmai-dō was built in 929 AD by the priest Saitō 済高 (870-943) who served as the abbot of Mt Kōya. It was originally situated slightly to the north of its current location and was called Tōnan-in.
The name Sammai is the Japanese translation of the Sanskrit word samādhi, which refers to a meditative practice for the purpose of concentrating the mind and removing all distractions.
The relocation of this temple (along with the nearby Daie-dō) was carried out in the year 1177 by the famous poet-priest Saigyō 西行 (1118 -1190), who lived at Mt. Kōya off and on for three decades.
Saigyō’s temple residence was nearby and he is believed to have planted a cherry tree there. Today, the cherry tree in front of the Sammai-dō is called the “Saigyō-zakura.” It said groe from the same the spot where the poet planted his own beloved tree.
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