【Japan tourism】Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.29] Manizan Houzouin Kokubunji
There are four Kokubunji temples within the eighty-eight temples. This is “Tosa Kokubunji" in Kochi Prefecture.
Kokubunji
| Principal image | Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva |
| Honzon mantra | On bazaratarama kiriku |
| Denomination | Shingon Buddhism Tisan sect |
Place
Temple lodging： none
Phone：088-862-0055
〒783-0053
546 Kokubu, Nangoku City, Kochi Prefecture
Goshuin(red seal)
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History
In 741 (Tenpyo 13), it is one of the 68 provincial temples in Japan that were built by Emperor Shomu’s “Imperial Edict for the Construction of Provincial Temples." Gyoki carved the Senju Kannon Bodhisattva statue and opened it.
The emperor himself transcribed the Konkomyo Sutra. It has also been called “Konkomyo Shitenno Gokoku no ji" as a place of prayer for peace of the world, bountiful harvests, and fertility for all people.
In 815 (Konin 6), when Kobo Daishi visited the temple, it was revived as a temple of the Shingon sect, and a statue of Bishamonten was carved and enshrined in the Okunoin. For the esoteric Buddhism to ward off evil (increase longevity by excluding disasters), the “secret method of Hoshiku" was enshrined in the sacred grounds. Since then, Tosa Kokubunji has been referred to as the “Hoshiku no Konpon Dojo”.
To the east of Kokubunji is the Kokufu Ruins, where Ki no Tsurayuki, the author of “Tosa Diary," lived for four years from 930 (extended 8 years) to 934 (4 years of Johei) as Tosa no kami (provincial governor). It is now a well-maintained park. This area was the political and cultural center of Tosa Province from ancient times to the Middle Ages.
The elegant main hall (Kondo) was rebuilt in 1558 by Kunichika Chosokabe and his son Motochika. The Niomon Gate was built in 1655 (first year of the Meireki era) with donations from Tadayoshi Yamauchi, the second governor of the Tosa domain.
Highlight
【abstinence from alcohol Jizo】Jizo-san, who is said to make one wish come true. It is called Shudan Jizo because the wish of worshipers who want to stop drinking has come true.
【Main hall (Kondo)】The roof is thatched with persimmons and is a hip roof. The Ebikoryo inside the building is said to be the oldest in Tosa, and features of the Tenpyo style of the Muromachi period, such as the fukiyose rafters, can be seen.
In 1902, it was designated as a special protection building of the country.
It is about 11 km (about 20 minutes by car) to the next temple number 30 “Zenrakuji"!