【Japan tourism】Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.32] Hatiyouzan Gumonjiin Zenbumineji

2023年3月12日2023年4月15日

Zenbumineji is known locally as “mineji" or “minenji". Standing on a small mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you can overlook Tosa Bay from the precincts.

Zenbumineji

Principal image	Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva
Honzon mantra	On maka kyaronikya sowaka
Denomination	Shingon Buddhism Buzan sect

Place

Temple lodging： none

Phone：088-865-8430

Gosyuin(red stamp)

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History

It is said to have originated when Gyoki, a high priest in the Nara period, built a hall to pray for the safety of ships sailing off the coast of Tosa at the request of Emperor Shomu.

During the Edo period, successive feudal lords prayed to the Kannon of this temple for the safety of their voyages when they set sail. The principal image of worship is also called “Funadama no Kannon" and is strongly worshiped by fishermen.

In 807 (Daido 2), Kobo Daishi visited and felt that it was a sacred place similar to Mt. Fudaraku where Kannon Bodhisattva lives. Kobo Daishi practiced Kokuzo Gumonjiho, carved an eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue and named it Zenjibuji Temple. Zenji is a word that means a practitioner. Because the shape of the mountain resembled the eight-leaf lotus stand, the name of the mountain was called “Mt. Hachiyo".

Highlight

【temple treasure】 The temple bell of 1308 (Tokuji 3) and the Waniguchi of 1570 (Eiroku 13) are both cultural properties designated by Kochi Prefecture.

【Kongorikishi statue】The statue of Kongo Rikishi at the Niomon Gate was created by Jomyō, and is said to have been made in the Kamakura period, and is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.

It is about 11 km (about 30 minutes by car) to the next temple, No. 33, “Sekkeiji"!