【Pilgrim’s Song】
Dance and prayers that leap to Amitabha -Dojoji Temple
Keep beat and strike and gong

History and origin of Goshoji

From the grounds, the view of the Seto Bridge over the Seto Inland Sea is stunning. It has prospered as a port town from the past, and it can be said to be the “front door of Shikoku”, so it is a sacred place with a deep relationship with high monks and famous monks. Locally known as “Yakuyoke Utazu Daishi”, (Warding off of evil Daishi) it is also the only Shikoku sacred place of “Jishuu” (sect of Buddhism). According to Engi, Goshoji was founded by Gyoki Bosatsu in the second year of the Jinki era. Gyoki sculpted a statue of Amida Nyorai about 55 cm in size, and enshrined it as the main deity, and was called “Bukkōzan / Dōjōji”. It is a remnant that the “Dōjōji” is enshrined in the “Goeika” (the pilgrim’s hymn in praise of Buddha). Afterwards, Kobo Daishi visited second year of the Daidō era (807) and felt that it was a land related to Buddhist law. He carved a statue of the Daishi himself and made a vow to ward off evil. This wooden statue of the Daishi is still widely worshiped as the “Yakuyoke Utazu Daishi”.

It is said that Rigen Daishi (Seihō 832-909), known as the founder of the Daigoji Temple in Kyoto, trained and practiced at this temple during the Ninju era (851-54), and also laid the theoretical foundation for Jōdo religion. It is said that the Buddhist monk city (Genshin, 942-1017) dedicated a picture of Shaka Nyorai, and built the Shakado in the Kanwa period (985-87). In addition, in 1243, when the author of “Nankai Ruroki” and the founder of the Chuin-ryu, Koyasan’s “Dohan’s dark pear”, became a temporary parable of this temple. The founder of the”Jishu sect”, Ippen Shonin (1239-89), stayed here in the first year of the Shōō era (1288) and spread the teachings of Shingon sect and Jishu sect. It became a unique sacred place among the 88 sacred sites, and the teachings of Shingon Sanmitsu along with the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism are still being transmitted today.

The highlights of Goshoji

View of the Seto Ohashi Bridge from the adornment garden

Temple 78 Fudasho: Bukkozan Kotokuin Goshoji

Access

Location

Utazucho 1435, Ayautagun, Kagawa 769-0210

Tel

0877-49-0710

Parking

Available (Free for regular cars and large buses)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

https://yakuyoke.org/

⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Pray to enter Buddha’s Richness
And see the enlightened moon

The history and origin of Doryuji

As you pass through Niomon, bronze Kannon will greet you side by side. This area around the time of its founding was a vast mulberry field, which seemed to have been a production area for silk. According to Engi, in the fifth year of the Wadō era, it is said that the local lord, Wake Michitaka, cut a large mulberry tree, carved a small statue of Yakushi, and founded the beginning of the temple. Wake Michitaka saw a large mulberry tree in the surroundings that was about 5 meters tall, shining a mysterious light every night. When he wondered at this light and shot an arrow, a woman screamed and the family nanny fell down and died. Deeply grieved, Michitaka carved a Buddha statue from the mulberry tree, and placed it in the temple.

In the second year of the Daidō era, (807), Michitaka’s son, Asayu, begged Kobo Daishi, who returned home from the Tang Dynasty, to carve a 90-centimeter statue of Nakurai Yakushi himself. The statue was made the principle deity of the temple.
After being commanded by the Daishi, Asayu became the second priest, and used his ancestral fortune to build the temple, erected the seven structure temple, and named the temple “Doryuji” from the name of his father, the founder. The third is Kobo Daishi’s younger brother, Shinga Sōjō (Hōkō Daishi), who succeeded in the building of the 23 monasteries, and in the fourth, Enchin (Chishiro Daishi) carved a statue of the “Godai Myou Ou” (The Five Great Wisdom Kings), the statue of Aryavalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and built the Goma-do The next 5th holy treasure in the era of (Rigen Daishi), it has become the “Hōso Kiganjo”. The priests flourished one after another, but the temple buildings collapsed due to the Great Earthquake in the Jōgen era (976-78), the soldiers burned the grounds in third year of the Kōhei era (1060), and the “Tenshō Fires”, and yet the light of Buddha prevails.

The highlights of Dobruji

Sentokuin Hall of Fame, Kannon Statue, and Tera Treasure

Doryuji’s annual events

Regular goma

Date: January, May, September 28th, 13: 00-

Venue: Five Great Halls

Temple 77 Fudasho: Sotazan Myooin Doryuji

Access

Location

Tadotsu-cho Kita-gamo 1-3-30, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa 764-0022

Tel

0877-32-3577

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

Enter the Tadotsu town area from Zentsuji interchange. Turn right at the T-junction with Prefectural Road 21 and go about 300m beyond the JR viaduct to Dobruji. Niomon is on the other side of the road.
　　⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If you sincerely open to the Buddhist monk
Shingon incantations reveal their marvels

History and origin of Konzoji

Konzoji is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi’s nephew, the founder of the Tendaiji-mon sect, Chisho Daishi.. According to Engi, Kobo Daishi was born in the 5th year of the Hōki era, just as Chisho’s grandfather, “Wakedouzen” was founded and Dōzen was named “Jizaiōdō”. It became Dozenji after taking the name of the foundation when it became a government temple in November of the first year of the Ninju era. Afterwards, Chishiro Daishi, who returned from Tang Dynasty, built a temple modelled after Seiryuji Temple in the Tang Dynasty, and carved the Yakushi Nyorai to become the principal deity. It became “Konzoji” in 928, on the order of the Emperor Daigo, and the name of the temple was named after the place of Kanakura-go.

Chisho Daishi was called “Nichidomaru” when he was a child and was reputed to have been very smart. When he was 2 years old, people nearby are said to have seen a shining light from around him when he was playing alone. And it was said, “Surely the Buddha was has been reborn. In the future, he will surely be a great person,” and the people rejoiced. At the age of five, a celestial maiden appeared in front of him. According to the legend, he was told that “You are one of Sankoten, the emperor’s morning star, and the manifestation of Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha). If you follow the Buddhist path in the future, I will protect you always”. The legend that he was told this heavenly maiden is said to have become a Buddha after Buddha took the youngest child for the sin of eating another child. It is said that she became a Buddha after being taught the suffering of his mother who lost a child. She is called “Kariteimo”, known by another name as “Kishimojin”. It is said that Chisho Daishi, who grew up protected by this “Kariteimo”, was able to practice diligently and spread Buddhism.

The highlights of Konzoji

Daishido / Kariteido / Nogi Nosuke
Relics exhibition room (Samurai Nogi’s favorite military cap, portrait, and letter from his wife, who lived in this temple for about 3 years from the 31st year of the Meiji era.)

Annual events at Kankuraji

Sakai Daigo Maiko

General worshipers can also walk the fire.

Date: 1st Saturday and Sunday in September

Temple 76 Fudasho: Keisokuzan Hodoin Konzoji

Access

Location

Kanzoji-cho 1160, Zentsuji, Kagawa 765-0031

Tel

0877-62-0845

Parking

Available (charged)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

https://www.kagawa-konzouji.or.jp/

From Zentsuji Interchange toward Kannonji city, take Route 33 (former National Route 11). Turn left at Kinzoji Post Office and you will find a parking lot.
　　⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If you lie in Zentsuji where Daishi was born
The Law of Buddha will remain forever

The history and origin of Zentsuji

According to the “Tado-gun Byoubugaura Zentsuji no Ki” (established in the middle of the Edo period), Gogakuzan Zentsuji was founded after Daishi had returned from the Tang Dynasty to the four towns and four lands, that his father donated, This temple was built in the style of Chang’an Seiryu-ji, where a certain teacher Eka Kazuo lived. On the second year of the Daidō era (807), on the twelfth lunar month, “Zentsu”, pronounced at the time as “Yoshimichi” (Daishi’s father’s name) was used to create “Zentsuji”, the temple. And so it is written.

In the Kamakura period, the “birthplace” was built on the ruins of the Saeki family during the Kamakura period, and until the Edo period, it was a separate temple with priests in Zentsuji and the “Tanjouin”, but it became one temple as Zentsuji in the Meiji period. It was. Currently, it is the head temple of the Shingon Buddhism Zentsuiji school, and is also the 75th fudasho of the 88th sacred sites of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage.

The current Zentsuji temple is called “Byoubugaura” Gogakuzan Tanjyouin Zentsuji”, and the mountain name “Gogakuzan” is derived from the five mountains of Mt. Koushika, Mt. Hitsu, Mr. Gahaishi, Mt. Nakayama, and Mt. Hiage that rise in the west. Because the mountains are connected like a folding screen, this area was once called “Byoubuho”. And the name of “Tanjyouin” indicates that it is the birthplace of the master. Zentsuji, the birthplace of the temple, has long been a tribute to one of the three great legacies of Kobo Daishi, along with Toji Temple in Kyoto, and Koyasan in Wakayama.

The vast grounds, which covers a total area of about 45,000 square meters, is divided into the eastern and western sections, one called the “Garan” in the east and the west is called the “Tanjyouin”. The “Garan” lined up with the Kondo (Main Hall) and the five-storied pagoda has been the temple area since its founding, and the “Birthplace” is centered around the Mikage-do which is the ruins of the Saiki family residence where the Daishi was born. Both sections covey their relevance in their relationship to Kobo Daishi’s birthplace.

The highlights of Zentsuji

Kondo, five-storied pagoda, Mikagedo (built in the residence of the Saiki family where Kobo Daishi was born, and the inner shrine is enshrined with the statues of the priest and Himeki Daishi. It was rebuilt in 1831 and was renovated on a large scale in 1945. In addition, in the basement of Mikagedo, there is a passageway of about 100 meters in darkness. It is a dojo that is connected.

Temple 75 Fudasho: Gogakuzan Tanjyoin Zentsuji

Access

Location

Zentsuji-cho 3-3-1, Zentsuji, Kagawa 765-0003

Tel

0877-62-0111 (representative)

Parking

Yes

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

Yes (capacity 250)

Website

https://www.zentsuji.com/

From Zentsuji interchange to Kotohiracho, take Route 319. Turn right at Nishihara Kita intersection and go straight on prefectural road 4. You will reach a large parking lot connected to Saiin.
　　⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
In battle having the view of the Twelve Gods
The mountain is the helmet of my heart

History and origin of Koyamaji

The area around Koyamaji is the hometown of Kobo Daishi, and it is said to have played a role in his childhood. Kobo Daishi, who was in the early peaceful days and in the prime of life, was looking for a sacred place to build between Zentsuji and Mandaraji.
At one point, when he walked near Mt. Ko, an old man appeared from a rocky cave, “I am a saint who has lived here for a long time, provided happiness and benefits to people, and spread the teachings of the Buddha. I will protect you forever. “Kobo Daishi was delighted and engraved the Bishamonten celestial statue, placed in the cave, and enshrined it.

After that, Kobo Daishi was appointed as a director to oversee the construction of the largest reservoir in Japan, Mannoike, in response to the edict of Emperor Saga. It was a difficult construction that even the specialists dispatched by the Imperial Court could not accomplish. Kobo Daishi prayed for the completion of the restoration work at Koyama’s cave and carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai. Then, tens of thousands of people gathered in admiration of the master, and together they completed it in just three months. Kobo Daishi, who was commended for this achievement by the imperial court and was awarded 20,000 sen, used part of it for the construction of the temple, and enshrined Yakushi Nyorai, who was engraved in prayer earlier. It was named “Koyamaji” because the shape of the mountain resembles that of the shape of Bishamonten’s armor.
Yakushi Nyorai is a Buddha who is said to be ward off anything that harms the body and mind. It goes without saying that it is a powerful blessing for the people who have visited Koyamaji.

The highlights of Koyamaji

Main Hall, Bishamonten Cave, Koyasu Jizo (Ojizo, who was enshrined next to the stone steps leading to Daishido, is beneficial to children.)

Annual events at Koyamaji

Learn the secrets of Bishamonten

Learn the secret techniques of Bishamonten and receive a good luck talisman.

Date: New Year’s Day

The autumn equinox middle day and the equinox society

Date: September 23

Temple 74 Fudasho: Iouzan Tahouzan Koyamaji

Access

Location

1765-1 Hirotacho 1765-1, Zentsuji, Kagawa 765-0071

Tel

0877-63-0074

Parking

Available (free)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Zentsuji Interchange, take Route 11 toward Kannonji. When you pass through the high-speed overpass, a signboard appears at each corner. Turn left after Gochura Temple and go straight.
　　⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Lost in the six-realms that save all living things
Shakaji on the precious mountain

The history and origin of Shusshakaji

At the opening of Shusshakaji Temple, there is a connection to one of the legends of “Shashingatake”, and one of the many legends of Kobo Daishi. That was when Kobo Daishi was 7 years old when he was called “Mao”. Going up to to climb Mt. Gahaishi “I want to enter the Buddhist gate in the future and spread the teachings of the Buddha to save many people. If my wish comes true, I will come to Buddha. I throw away all and dedicate this body to the Buddhas.” He threw himself from the cliff. Then, a purple cloud sprung forth, and a heavenly woman who wore a hagoromo (angel’s raiment) and Shaka Nyorai descended, and held Kobo Daishi in the clouds. Kobo Daishi, who was shown to have his life saved and wishes fulfilled at Mt. Gahaishi, is said to have then come to the summit of the mountain and built the temple.

This place was called “Shashingatake Zenjou” and was originally the fudasho now it is the okuin behind the temple, which is about 50 minutes up the steep slope from the grounds. Since Kobo Daishi completed the “Gumonjihō” method, which chants the mantra of Akasagarbha mantra 1 million times, the name of “Gumonjihō” was given.

Worshiping here gives you a wonderful memory and is said to be beneficial for academic achievement and resist forgetfulness.

In addition, the place where Kobo Daishi put himself is about 50 meters from here. If you look at the bottom, you will see a deep valley that looks like a foot, but you can see a spectacular view of the Sanuki Plain and Seto Inland Sea.

The highlights of Shusshakaji

Shashingatake Zenjo, Sagamigatake Worship Center, Hondo (Kobo Daishi’s Honzon, Shaka Nyorai, and the side Buddha are the Fudo Myoo and the Kokuzo Bosatsu.)

Annual events at Shusshakaji

Oku-in Temple

An ancestral offering and goma prayer are held. There is free pick-up from the precincts to the inner shrine only on this day. You can also stay in the hall after the fair. (Participation fee 1,000 yen)

The date and time: Prayer every month from the 15th and 18:30

Location: Wakashi mountainside

* Please contact us as it may be canceled depending on the weather (heavy rain, heavy snow, etc.).

Setsubun general reading method required

Date: February 3

Permanent recharge law

Date: March 15 of the lunar calendar

Cucumber support

The date and time

Temple 73 Fudasho: Gabaishizan Gumonjiin Shusshakaji

Access

Location

Yoshiwaracho 1091, Zentsuji, Kagawa 765-0061

Tel

0877-63-0073

FAX

0877-62-2319

Parking

Available (free of charge) * 30 regular cars, 5 large cars (parking area has become wider)

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Zentsuji Interchange to Kotohira-cho towards National Highway No. 329, turn right at Nishihara Kita intersection, go straight on prefectural road No. 48 (so far the same access as Zentsuji). Turn left after Gora-ji Temple and go straight to see the temple.

* Please note that there are no signs from National Route 11.
⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Slightly prostrated mandala worshipers
Returning home thricely

The history and origin of Mandaraji

According to Engi, the founding of this temple is the oldest, fourth year of the Suiko period, (596) in Shikoku Sacred Sites. It was founded as a temple of the Sanuki lord and the Saeki family, and was initially called “Yosaka-dera”. Kobo Daishi visited this temple the year after returning from Tang Dynasty. It is also said that it was for praying for Buddha’s enlightenment for his mother. The temple was built in 3 years and modelled after Seiryu-ji Temple in China. He enshrined Dainichi Nyorai to the main temple as the principle deity, and enshrined the “Kongokai” mandala (Vajradathu Mandala of the Diamond Realm) and the “Taizoukai” (Garbhadhatu Mandala of the Womb Realm) which he brought back from the Tang Dynasty, and changed the name of the temple to “Mandaraji”.
In addition, the old guidebook of the Shikoku Sacred Sites introduces the existence of “The Immortal Pine”, a hand-planted pine of Kobo Daishi that is over 1200 years old. Although it is less than 4m in height, it has a diameter of 17 to 18m, and it was designated as a natural monument of the prefecture with an impressive appearance like two sedge hats lying down. However, it was badly damaged by pine worms and was cut down in 2002, the 14th year of the Heisei era.

There is a hill called “Mizuguki no Oka” near Mandaraji, but it was Priest Saigyou who built a hermitage here and lived here for more than 7 years. It seems that he used to go to this temple and often took a nap on the flat stone in front of the main hall, and this stone is called “Saigyou’s nap stone” and is still in the same place. Next to that is a cherry tree called “Kasakake Sakura”. When Saigyou returned to the city, he saw the a fellow traveler depart with a shaded cherry tree as a keepsake he sang a song that says, “What is the shade now and how will it be?”.

The highlights of Mandaraji

Holy Kannon standing statue, Kasamatsu Daishi, Saigyou’s nap stone

Annual events at Mandaraji

Eiji Keizai sand holding law required

Date: Spring day

Star offering

Date: Winter Solstice, New Year’s Eve, Setsubun

Temple 72 Fudasho: Gahaishizan Enmeiin Mandaraji

Access

Location

Yoshiwara-cho 1380-1, Zentsuji, Kagawa 765-0061

Tel

0877-63-0072

Parking

Yes

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

https://www.mandaraji.jp

Socaial Media

From Zentsuji Interchange, turn right toward Koto Square, turn right at the first crossover, and head west on Route 48. Turn left at the signal of Yoshiwara Public Hall, turn right at the middle of the estate, and you will see it on your right.
　　⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
Though separated by rank the road to Iyadaniji is hard
Grow better and closer in the same way together

The history and origin of Iyadaniji

About the founding

Established about 1300 years ago. By the imperial edict of the 45th Emperor Shoumu. It is said that the foundation of the temple was founded by Gyoki Bodhisattva who built the temple, for the purposes of healing illness for Empress Kōmyō. In addition to the Avatamsaka Sutra, the temple treasure contains a holy scripture that was created around 724 in the Tenpyō era, and at least the temple was erected before 724. It is known that it was founded about 50-100 years before Daishi’s birth (774).

Sacred Mountain of Faith

It is said that Mt. Iyadaniji, where Iyataniyama Temple is located, has been worshiped as a sacred mountain (Buddha’s Mountain) since ancient times, and is considered one of the three largest sacred sites in Japan. From ancient times, people believed that Buddha and God lived in the mountains, and that mountain was called the sacred mountains (called “Reihou”) and was believed to be the object of faith. It is said to be one of (Heijishinkou). According to the sacred mountain faith of Iyataniyama, “The cave beside the water place under the main hall is said to be the entrance to the gods and Buddha’s shrine. And there are innumerable doted places of “Magaibutsu” (Buddha) carved by students holding spiritual faith. In addition, such faith is still remains today, and a water ritual that cleans the trees with sacred water flows from the top of the mountain is religiously observed with the mantra called “Suikyogi” on paper thin pieces of wood. The water from the mountain flowing down from the summit washes clean these items.

Lion Stones

It is said that Kobo Daishi was studying at Iwaya when was 9-12 years old.

Also, since the foundation of the temple, the cave at the back of this Iwaya is said to have been used as a repository for sutras and documents, and the Daishi took a sacred scriptures from this repository, and the light from the cave window (Window of the Morning Star), studying day and night It is said that from this light he was greatly encouraged.

Iwaya’s shape is called “Shishi no Iwaya” as it has the appearance of a lion roaring, and from the Buddhist faith that, “The lion’s roar is the same as the Buddha’s preaching”. Through reverent devotion and coming before this cave, it is said that by doing so, it is said that “The lion will eat all calamities and protect itself.”

Hora Jizouson (Jizo of the Cave)

Jizo is said to heal those who suffer from diseases that are above the neck. You can worship from the inside of Daishido on the way to “Shishi no Iwaya” (Lion’s Cave) You can sit down and look up 10 meters above the rock wall and see the figure.

The highlights of Iyadaniji

Daishido Main Hall, Shishi no Iwaya, Maison Sanson Magaibutsu (It is said that Daishi was engraved on the rock wall on the way from Daishido to the main hall. It is said that you can

Annual events at Iyadaniji

Student association

Date: January 1

Breathing disaster memorial / setsubun

Date: February 3

Eiyo Keizai Sand Holding Law Association / Spring Branch (Spring watering)

Date: March 20-21

Breathing protection

Date: May 20

Honsonkai (summer water supply)

Date: July 17

Akibun Higan Bank Law Association

Winter Solstice

Date: December 22

Temple 71 Fudasho: Kengozan Seijyuin Iyadaniji

Access

Location

Mino-cho Omi Otsu 70, Mitoyo, Kagawa 767-0031

Tel

0875-72-3446

Parking

Yes

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

https://iyadanizi.xsrv.jp/

From Sanuki Toyonaka Interchange to Takamatsu City, take National Route 11 / Prefectural Route 48. Run along Fureai Park Mino’s sign, and there is a parking lot on the right.
　　⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
For one who plants flowers in Motoyama
Spring comes eagerly

The history and origin of Motoyamaji

In all the Shikoku Sacred Sites, only four other places have five-storied pagodas: Chikurinji, Shidoji, Zentsuji and Honzanji. It was erected in 3rd year of the Tenryaku era(950), but was severely damaged and rebuilt in 43rd year of the Meiji era (1910). In addition, the principle deity is the Batō (horse-headed) Kannon Bodhisattva, the only one in Shikoku. A statue of a horse stands beside the main hall where the temple is enshrined.
In the second year of the Daidō era, (807), Kobo Daishi established the Seventieth Fudasho at the behest of Emperor Heijō. At that time, it was called “Chofukuji”, and legend of the main hall is that Daishi erected it a single night. The vast grounds of about 20,000 square meters includes the main hall which is a national treasure, the Niomon gate, the five-storied pagoda, the guardian hall, the Daishido, the Ten Kings hall, the red hall (the hall of Mahavairocana, the Great Sun Buddha), the memorial hall, the bell tower, and also the guest hall. It is all reminiscent of the time when the temple was prosperous.

When the Chosokabe army invaded the main hall during the Tensho War, a priest was put to the sword and blood flowed from the right hand of Amida Nyorai who was at the side of Buddha. It is said that the main hall escaped the fire because the troops who were shocked at this departed immediately. This Buddha is called the “Tachi uke no Mita”, the “Sword Receiving Amitabha”. After that, it changed its name to “Honzan Temple”.

The highlights of Motoyamaji

Main Hall, Five-storied Pagoda, Nioumon (Japanese style gates with three styles: Japanese, Tang and Tengu). (A small company that retains the style of the late Muromachi period. It has a simple appearance with a thatched-roofed roof. It is a designated cultural asset of the prefecture.)

Annual events at Motoyamaji

Five-story pagoda special tour

Date: May consecutive holidays (May 3-6)

Cucumber incantations

The date and time: July day

Trout sink

Date: August 23, 19:00

Hidamari Market

Date: Last Sunday in September

Goma Prayer Meeting

Date: 28th of every month 9: 00 ~

Temple 70 Fudasho: Shippozan Jihoin Motoyamaji

Access

Location

Toyonakacho Motoyama Ko 1445, Mitoyo, Kagawa 769-1506

Tel

0875-62-2007

Parking

Yes

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

None

From Sanuki Toyonaka Interchange to Route 11 toward Kannonji city. Turn right at the intersection of Motoyama Bridge Kitazume and go straight. You can see the five-storied pagoda at Motoyamaji and there is a parking lot on the left.
　　⇒ Google map

【Pilgrim’s Song】
If the Kannon’s grief is strong,
I’ll pull up my sins

History and origin of Kannonji

It is mentioned in the previous section that Kannonji is located in the same precinct as the 68th and Jinnein temples, and the opening period, foundation time and origin are the same. However, the temple name when it was founded was called “Jinguji Hokkoin”. Since then, it has been traced from Engi to 100 years later. It is said that in the second year of the Daidō era (807), Kobo Daishi entered the mountain as the seventh priest of the temple when he delivered the statue of Amida Nyorai, the principle deity Buddha of Koto Hachiman. It was there that the Daishi built a seven structure temple in the style of Chukindo, Toganedo, and Saikondo, following the Kōfuku-ji Temple of Nara in the middle of the Koto Mountain. A carved statue of the sacred Kanzeon Bodhisattva, the principle deity, was enshrined in the Nakakindo. Furthermore, a pagoda was built in lapis lazuli, coral, and onyx, and others of the “seven treasures” (which are gold, pearls, silver onyx, coral, crystal, and lapis lazuli) were buried here. it is said that the temple name was changed to “Shippozan Kannonji” (Seven Treasure Mountain Kannonji) and designated as a sacred place.

Emperor Kanmu (reigned 781–806) began his rule as the third-generation Emperor, and during the Muromachi period, the son of Ashikaga Takashi, served as the chief priest for 45 years. Temple fortune grew and was prosperous. However, the main Buddha was moved by the Meiji new government’s Shinto-Buddha separation order, and it became a second sacred place within the grounds and there were now two sacred sites within one precinct. The main hall, also called the Kondo, was made with Muromachi period architecture and is an important cultural property designated by the country. The vermilion pillars are colorful. There is a treasure museum on the grounds, including the “Buddha Nirvana Statue” (inside a miniature shrise, Heian-Kamakura period), which is rare as a sculpture, and “Kindan Miyae Engi” (colored, Kamakura period), “Fudo Nijido” In addition to the statue (colored on silk, Muromachi period). In addition there are many important national cultural properties such as the Buddha statues mentioned above and are collected.

The highlights of Kannonji

Kotou Shrine Eiki, the oldest graffiti

Temple 69 Fudasho: Shippozan Kannonji

Access

Location

Yahata-cho 1-2-7, Kannonji, Kagawa 768-0061

Tel

0875-25-3871

Parking

Yes

Shukubo
(TempleLodging)

None

Website

http://www.shikoku88-6869.com/

From Onohara Interchange to National Highway 11 / Prefectural Road 8 toward Takamatsu City. Go straight across the JR Yosan Line crossing. If you cross the Zaida River, you will find a parking lot at the foot of Kotonayama.
　　⇒ Google map