In the Battle of Uji, the commander, Minamoto no Yorimasa, realized that his forces were unable to stop the powerful Taira from advancing. Yorimasa decided to retreat to defend Byōdō-in temple with his army and sōhei, so-called "warrior monks" of feudal Japan. Taira samurai, in pursuit of Yorimasa, soon besieged the temple.
During the Battle of Uji, Minamoto no Yorimasa understood that his forces were unable to prevent the Taira from advancing. He decided to retreat and defend Byōdō-in temple with his army and sōhei, or warrior monks. The Taira samurai pursued Yorimasa and soon besieged the temple.