【Japan tourism】 Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.76] Keisokuzan Houdouin Konzouji

2023年4月9日2023年4月15日

At Konzouji , Kariteimo, also known as Kishimojin, is worshiped and has been affectionately known as Okaruten-san by the locals. It is popular for the benefits of child-giving and safe delivery.

Konzouji

Principal image	Yakushi Nyorai
Honzon mantra	On korokoro sendari matougi sowaka
Denomination	Tendaijimon sect

Place

Temple lodging： none

Phone：0877-62-0845

〒765-0031

1160 Konzoujicho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture

Gosyuin(red stamp)

History

Konzouji is the birthplace of Chisho Daishi, the founder of the Tendai sect Jimon School. Kobo Daishi’s nephew, Chisho Daishi, who had a reputation for being wise since childhood, is said to have had a halo shining from his body when he was two years old.

There is also a legend that when he was five years old, he met Kariteimo Kishimojin and practiced Buddhism while being watched over by him. It is said that he appeared before his eyes and said, “You are one of the Sankoten, Myojo Tenshi, and a temporary figure of the Void Bodhisattva. If you enter the Buddhist priesthood in the future, I will always protect you."

“Kari Tebo" is said to be the figure of a mother who lost her own child for the crime of eating someone else’s child, and who became a Buddha after being taught by Buddha about the pain of losing a child.

It was built in 774 by Wake dozen, the grandfather of Chisho Daishi. It used to be called 'Jizaio-do’, but when it became an official temple in November 851, it was renamed 'Dozen-ji’.

After that, Chisho Daishi, who returned to Japan, built a temple following Seiryu-ji Temple in Tang Dynasty, carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai and enshrined it as the principal image.

In 928 (Entyou 6), the name of the temple was changed to the current “Konzouji" after the name of the place, Kanakura-go, by imperial command from Emperor Daigo.

Highlight

【Kariteibo-dou】 To the left of the main hall is a hall that enshrines Kariteibo, who is said to have watched over the growth of Chisho Daishi.

It is about 5 km (about 10 minutes by car) to the next 77th bill place “Doryuji"!