Once upon a time, there lived an extremely cowardly warrior in a nearby village. He wanted to cure his cowardice and visited the Himuro Yakushi temple on 100 consecutive nights. On the 100th night, a specter appeared in front him. Then he gathered his courage and struck at it with his sword only to find that it was a pillar of the hall. Visitor can see the scar made by him even today.
This legend, associated with Himuro Yakushi, or formally named Murakamiji Temple, a historic temple founded by Sakanoue Tamuramaro in 807 to pray for safety of his soldiers. The temple has been worshipped by local people for its divine power to bring national safety and people’s happiness.
Source: NIPPON-KICHI
JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY & FOLKLORE 