【Japan tourism】 Shikoku 88 temple pligrimage trip [No.86] Hudarakusan Seijyoukouin Shidoji
Shidoji Temple is said to have been founded about 1,400 years ago, making it one of the most historic temples in Shikoku.
Shidoji
| Principal image | Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva |
| Honzon mantra | On maka kyaronikya sowaka |
| Denomination | Shingon Buddhism Zentsuuji sect |
Place
Temple logding： none
Phone：087-894-0086
〒769-2101
1102 Shido, Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture
Gosyuin(red stamp)
History
It is said that in 625 (Suiko 33), Ooshisonoko carved a sacred tree that washed ashore in the bay to create an eleven-faced Kannon statue and built a shrine.
After that, Fujiwara no Kamatari’s son, Fujiwara no Fuhito, built the tomb of his wife and named it 'Shido Dojo’.
In 693 (Jito 7), Fujiwara no Fuhito’s son, Fujiwara Fusasaki, expanded the temple with Gyoki and rebuilt it as an academic dojo.
This temple is also known as the setting for the secret story of Nohgaku, “Ama," which is said to have originated from the story of Fujiwara no Fuhito falling in love with a local female diver.
Fuhito hides his identity and visits Shido in order to retrieve the jewel related to his sister that was stolen by Ryujin. A few years later, after hearing Fuhito’s background and purpose, the ama dives into the sea, asking Fusasaki to become his heir.
It is said that an ama who came out of the sea had her hands and feet ripped off, but she hid the recaptured ball in her breast.
According to Shokunihongi, the Fujiwara clan married the Ama tribe and gained control of the ocean.
During the Muromachi period, the shrine prospered thanks to donations from the Shikoku Kanrei Hosokawa clan. There is also a graceful Kyokusuisiki garden that was built at that time. Although it fell into disrepair during the Warring States period, it was revived thanks to support from Chikamasa Ikoma, a descendant of the Fujiwara clan, and donations from Yorishige Matsudaira, the feudal lord of the Takamatsu Domain in 1671.
Highlight
【Nioumon】The statue of Kongo Rikishi is said to have been made by Unkei, and has a three-buildings structure, which is rare in Japan. It was donated along with the main hall by Yorishige Matsudaira, the lord of the Sanuki domain, and is a nationally designated important cultural property.
【Kyokusuisiki Garden / Muzentei】 The Kyokusuishiki Garden is a garden created in the Muromachi period that impresses with its powerful structure that rises to the sky.
The undyed garden created in front of the Shoin is the work of Mirei Morishige, and it is based on a typical Zen-style dry landscape garden, giving the impression of Ryoan-ji Temple.
【Grave of Ama】There are about 20 graves of Ama that are said to have been built by Fujiwara no Fusasaki for his mother. On July 16th, the anniversary of Ama’s death, the Shidoji Temple 16th Market is held, and once a year on this day, the eleven-faced Kannon is unveiled.
It is about 7 km (about 15 minutes by car) to the next 87th bill place “Nagaoji"!