As opposed to Bukko-ji Temple's prosperity, Hongan-ji Temple, during Rennyo's infancy, was in a state of extreme decline, and even the visitors who came to pay respects (the monks at Katada Hompuku-ji Temple who later became Rennyo's supporters) were so disappointed by the desolate appearance of Hongan-ji Temple that they went to visit Bukko-ji Temple instead.
蓮如幼年期の本願寺は、仏光寺の隆盛に比し、不振の極にあり、参拝者（後に蓮如の支援者となった堅田本福寺の法住ら）が余りにも寂れた本願寺の有様を見て呆れ、仏光寺へ参拝したほどであった。