【Japan tourism】Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.46] Iouzan Youjyuin Jyoururiji

2023年4月3日2023年4月15日

Joruri-ji Temple is the first of eight temples in Matsuyama City. The large 1,000-year-old Ibukibyakushin tree that towers over the grounds is still worshiped today. It is a natural monument of the city.

Jyoururiji

Principal image	Yakushi Nyorai
Honzon mantra	On korokoro sendari matougi sowaka
Denomination	Shingon Buddhism Busan sect

Place

Temple lodging： none

Phone：089-963-0279

〒791-1133　282 Joruricho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

Gosyuin(red stamp)

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History

In 708, Gyoki visited this area for missionary work prior to the consecration of the Great Buddha of Nara. A temple was built, and Yakushi Nyorai was carved out of sandalwood wood and made into the principal image of worship. Nikko and Moonlight Bodhisattvas were enshrined in the side samurai, as well as the other twelve divine generals.

The name of Joruriji comes from Ruriko Jodo" where Yakushi Nyorai lives, and the mountain nameIo" comes from Ruriko Nyorai’s other name, Io Nyorai.

In 807 (Daido 2), Kobo Daishi, who returned from Tang Dynasty, restored the temple and established it as a sacred place in Shikoku.

In 1715 (Shotoku 5), most of the temple was destroyed by fire except for the principal image and wakisamurai. However, 70 years later, in 1785 (Tenmei 5), Gyoon, who had been a local village headman and became the chief priest, worked hard to restore the area.

Gyoon makes a pilgrimage around the country while religious mendicancy and uses the money to fund the revival. It is also known that he devoted himself to social projects, such as building eight bridges on the Tosa Highway from Iwayaji Temple to Matsuyama City.

There is a stone monument of Shiki Masaoka on the approach to the shrine. The poem mentions that this area is related to Emon Saburo, who is said to be the originator of the pilgrimage.

Highlight

In the precincts, stones with miraculous effects such as Buddha foot stones, Buddha hand stones, Buddha hand fingerprints, and preaching stones are placed here and there. It is known for blessings such as good walkers, traffic safety, wisdom and skill, and a good harvest.

“Hugging Daishi" is enshrined in the main hall and Daishido, and you can actually hold the Daishi statue of a child.

It is about 1 km (about 5 minutes by car) to the next 47th bill place “Yasakaji"!