【Japan tourism】Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.17] Rurizan Sinpukuin Idoji
This is a temple that houses the Well of Vestiges, which is associated with Kobo Daishi.
The principal image of Ido-dera is the Seven Buddha Yakushi Nyorai, which is rare in Japan, and is believed to bring good luck.
Idoji
| Principal image | Seven Buddha Yakushi Nyorai |
| Honzon mantra | On korokoro sendari matougi sowaka |
| Denomination | Shingon Buddhism Zentuuji sect |
Place
Temple lodging： none
Phone：088-642-1324
〒779-3118
80-1 Kitayashiki, Kokufuchoido, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture
Goshuin(red seal)
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History
It was founded by Emperor Tenmu as imperial Petition Dojo called Myoshoji Temple. It has prospered as a magnificent temple boasting 12 branch temples in addition to the seven halls of the temple on its wide grounds.
It is said that the seven statues of Yakushi Nyorai, which are the principal images of the temple, were made by Prince Shotoku, and the Nikko and Gekko Bodhisattva statues, which are the side attendants, were made by Gyoki.
In 815 (Konin 6), when Kobo Daishi stopped by to see these statues, he himself carved an eleven-faced Kannon statue of about 1.9m in height and enshrined it. This statue holds a cane in its right hand and a water vase with a lotus flower in its left hand, and is an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Kobo Daishi, who knew that the village was suffering from a water shortage, dug the ground with a shakujo, and spring water sprang up. Therefore, the name of the place was changed to “Idomura" and the name of the temple to “Idodera". Even now, there is a hall that enshrines a well in the precincts.
In 1362, the hall was destroyed by fire due to Yoriyuki Hosokawa’s war. Furthermore, in 1582 (Tensho 10), it was destroyed by fire during the battle between Miyoshi Zonho and Chosokabe Motochika. The main hall was rebuilt in 1661 (Manji 4).
Highlight
【niō Gate】The vermilion-lacquered Niomon Gate was donated by Shigeyoshi Hachisuka, the 10th lord of Awa, who moved it from Otani Bettei.
【Hikagiri Daishi】It is a stone statue and is also known as “Mizu Daishi".
【the Well of Vestiges】This well remains in the precincts, and it is believed that if you look into it and see yourself in the image, you should be in good health, and if you do not see it, you should be careful of disaster within three years.
It is about 14 km (about 1 hour by car) to the next 18th bill place “Onzanji"!