It is said that Yoritomo was much moved by the solemnity of the Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, and the Muryoko-in Temple, he saw and heard of in Hiraizumu at the Battle of Mutsu province in July, 1189, he built the Eifuku-ji Temple to repose the souls of his younger brother Yoshitsune, FUJUWARA no Yasuhira and many other officers and men who died in the Battle.
頼朝が1189（文治5）年7月の奥州合戦で平泉を見聞した中尊寺、毛越寺、無量光院など精舎の荘厳さに感激し、合戦で死んだ弟義経や藤原泰衡ほか多くの将兵の鎮魂のために建立したと伝えている。