【Japan tourism】 Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.83] Shingouzan Taihouin Itinomiyaji

2023年4月9日2023年4月15日

Ichinomiya Temple was founded 160 years after the introduction of Buddhism, and is a famous temple that produced Gyoki and others. There is a well-known anecdote of “Hell’s Cauldron," in which if you put your head into it, you will be able to open your realm.

Itinomiyaji

Principal image	Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Honzon mantra	On arorikya sowaka
Denomination	Shingon Buddhism Omuro sect

Place

Temple lodging： none

Phone：087-885-2301

Gosyuin(red stamp)

History

From 701 to 703, it was called “Daihoin" at that time, and it is said that the origin of this temple was opened by Gien, the founder of the Hosso sect of Buddhism.

During the Wado era (708-715), when Ichinomiya temples were built in various countries, Tamura Shrine was built as Sanuki Ichinomiya and became its first Bettoji. After that, Gyoki repaired the hall and renamed it to “Shingouzan Ichinomiyaji".

From 806 to 810, Kobo Daishi visited this place and enshrined the 106cm-high Sho Kanzeon Bodhisattva as the main object of worship, making it the 83rd sacred place of Shikoku. At this time, he was converted to the Shingon sect.

There is a Hokora in this temple that is said to open the world when you put your head into it. It is said that Kobo Daishi was created for the purpose of commandment.

A nasty old lady who used to live in the neighborhood said, “It’s a lie, let’s try it," and put her head in the Hokora. Then the door closed, and I heard the roaring sound of the cauldron of hell, and I couldn’t get my head out. The frightened old lady apologized and regretted her mean deeds. Then I was able to pull my head out. After that, old lady changed her mind and seems to have lived a long and healthy life.

After that, the temple went through a tough road, but was rebuilt by Yusei Daitoku. During the Edo period, it was separated from Tamura Shrine by the feudal lord of Takamatsu.

Highlight

【hell’s cauldron】 In the middle of the precincts, there is a stone hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai. It is said that there is a hole under the pedestal that leads to hell, and if you put your head in it, you can hear the sounds of hell.

It is about 17km (about 40 minutes by car) to the next 84th bill place “Yashimaji"!