【Japan tourism】 Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.61] Sendansan Kyououin Kouonji

2023年3月29日2023年4月15日

In the precincts of Kouonji, there is a modern cathedral that serves as both the main hall and Daishido. It is affectionately known as “Koyasu no Odaishisan”.

Kouonji is said that this is the only sacred place in Shikoku that was founded by Prince Shoutoku. A memorial service is held on February 22 every year in memory of Prince Shotoku.

Kouonji

Principal image	Dainichi Nyorai
Honzon mantra	On abiraunken bazaradadoban
Denomination	Shingon Buddhism Omuro sect

Place

Temple lodging： none

Phone：0898-72-3861

Gosyuin(red stamp)

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History

Kouonji is one of the most sacred temples in Shikoku, opened by Prince Shotoku to pray for Emperor Yomei’s recovery from illness. In Prince Shotoku’s dream, a white-haired old man clad in golden robes descended from heaven. “There is a sacred place on the island of Nimei (present-day Shikoku). If you build Bonsha Ichiu, you should be able to heal your sick brain." He was told.

Prince Shotoku searched for a sacred place and spent the night in the woods.At dawn, a white-haired old man in a golden robe appeared riding a sacred bird and said, " This is a sacred place that is associated with Buddhism. “, so I built the Shichido Garan here. It is said that when the construction was completed, the old man reappeared and hid himself in the hall for 17 days and enshrined the statue of Dainichi Nyorai.

Thanks to this, the emperor was cured of his illness, and Kouenji was given the imperial title of 'Kyououin’ by the emperor, and was designated as a prayer temple.

Kobo Daishi is said to have visited between 806 and 810. One day, Kobo Daishi burned sandalwood incense for a pregnant woman who was suffering in front of the gate, and performed a blessing and a prayer. Then she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

This led to Kobo Daishi placing a small gold statue of Dainichi Nyorai inside the principal image. Then, burning sandalwood incense again, perform the Four Vows of Goma Shuho" to pray foreasy delivery", child-raising",substitution", and “women’s attainment of Buddhahood". After that, it was established as a sacred place.

It was devastated by the Tensho War and was rebuilt in the Meiji and Taisho periods. The chief priest at that time, “Yamaoka Zuien," founded the “Shiankou" ( prayers for safe childbirth and child-rearing faith), and traveled all over the country, as well as Asian countries and the United States. The circle of Shiankou has now spread to Africa, and the number of members exceeds 20,000.

He is also committed to educational activities, such as founding Koyasu Junior High School, the predecessor of Komatsu Prefectural High School.

Highlight

【Statue of Koyasu Daishi】 Kobo Daishi is holding a mat on his back, a staff in his right hand, and a baby in his left hand.

【Cathedral】It is a modern brown reinforced concrete structure with a height of 16m. There is a large auditorium on the 1st floor, and a main hall and a daishido hall on the 2nd floor.The main hall has about 620 seats.

The principal image of Buddha, Dainichi Nyorai, is enshrined in the cathedral, and it is possible to see it at any time.

It is about 2 km (about 5 minutes by car) to the next 62nd bill place “Houjyuji"!