【Japan tourism】 Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.78] Bukkouzan Koutokuin Gousyouji

2023年4月3日2023年11月19日

From the precincts of Goushouji, you can look out over the Seto Ohashi Bridge over the Seto Inland Sea. Known locally as “Yakuyoke Utazu Daishi", it is the only sacred site of the Jishu sect in Shikoku.

It has become a unique sacred place among the eighty-eight temples that are involved in the teachings of the Shingon sect and the Ji sect, and even today the teachings of the Shingon Sanmitsu and the teachings of the Jodo-Igyou are handed down continuously.

Gousyouji

Principal image	Amida Nyorai
Honzon mantra	On amirita teisei karaun
Denomination	Shingon Buddhism/Jishu sect

Place

Temple lodging： none

Phone：0877-49-0710

〒769-0210

香川県綾歌郡宇多津町1435

Gosyuin(red stamp)

History

It has prospered as a port town and is said to be the “front entrance of Shikoku", so it has a deep connection with high priests and famous priests. Goushoji, which is popularly known as “Utazu Daishi" to ward off evil, is the only sacred site of the Jishu sect in Shikoku.

In 725 (Jinki 2), it was founded by Gyoki. Gyoki carved a statue of Amida Nyorai about 55 cm and enshrined it as the principal image, and named it “Bukkouzan Dojoji".

In 807 (Daido 2), Kobo Daishi visited this place and felt that it was a place related to Buddhism. At that time, Kobo Daishi was 42 years old, so he carved a statue of Kobo Daishi himself and made a vow to ward off evil. This statue is still worshiped as “Utazu Daishi” to ward off evil.

From 851 to 854, Rigen Daishi, known as the founder of Daigoji Temple in Kyoto, practiced in this temple.From 985 to 987, Eshin Souzu, who laid the theoretical foundation of Pure Land Buddhism, received a spiritual message and dedicated a picture of Shaka Nyorai to build Shakado.

In 1243 (Ninj 4), this temple was used as a temporary residence when Douhan Ajyari of Koyasan, the founder of the Cyuuinryuu and the author of “Nankai Ryuurouki", was exiled.

In 1288, during the Kamakura period, Ippen Shonin, the founder of the Jishu sect, opened a Buddhist training hall and revived it. It is the only sacred place among the eighty-eight temples where the teachings of the Shingon and Jishu sects are involved, as it spread the teachings of the Jodo sect of Gyoukou.

Highlight

The ceilings of the main hall and Daishido are decorated with beautiful carvings of various floral motifs. During prayers such as Shichigosan and exorcism, you can enter the main hall and Daishido, but I don’t think you can enter the building during normal worship.

However, you can see flower sculptures on the roof and ceiling in front of Daishido. When you visit Goshoji, don’t forget to look up in front of Daishido.

【Appreciation style garden】、【A view of the Great Seto Bridge from the precincts】