【Japan tourism】 Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage trip [No.88] Iouzan Henjyoukouin Ookuboji
Okuboji Temple is the last temple in Shikoku’s 88th temple.
Ookuboji
| Principal image | Yakushi Nyorai |
| Honzon mantra | On korokoro sendari matougi sowaka |
| Denomination | Shingon Buddhism |
Place
Temple lodging： none
Phone：0879-56-2278
〒769-2306
96 Tawakanewari, Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture
Gosyuin(red stamp)
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History
It is said that when Gyoki visited this place in 717, he was inspired by Reimu and built a hermitage where he practiced.
In 815 (Konin 6), Kobo Daishi, who returned from Tang Dynasty, practiced Kokuzo Gumonjiho at a rock cave called Taizogamine in the current Okunoin and built a hall. A life-size statue of Yakushi Nyorai was sculpted and made into the main deity. A scepter handed down from the Three Kingdoms (Tenjiku, Tou, and Japan) given by Ajari of Tang Dynasty was enshrined there, and it was named 'Okubo-ji’ and designated as the place of Kechigan.
There is Okunoin on Mt. Nyotai on the west side of the main hall. It is said that when Kobo Daishi prayed with Tokko in order to offer water to the main deity, spring water came out. It is said that if you take the water with medicine, you will be blessed.
Okubo-ji was a temple that allowed women to enter the mountain from early on, and it prospered as 'Women’s Koya’, and at one time it boasted more than 100 temples. However, it suffered from disasters many times during the Tensho War and the fire in 1958. Thanks to the patronage of the Takamatsu feudal lord and the efforts of successive chief priests, the temple has overcome hardships to reach the present day.
Highlight
【Daishido】 There is a dojo in the basement where you can step on the sand at 88 places. Eighty-eight small principal images are enshrined here, and it is said that if you go around the temple, you will receive the same blessings. Furthermore, stepping on the sand again at the final temple will be even more emotional for those who make a wish.
【Memorial service for the Kongo cane】The Kongo cane is dedicated to the Hojo-do hall next to the Daishi-do Hall, and is held at the Saito-gomaku ceremony in spring and summer every year.
【Main holl】 There are the Reido, the Chuden, and the inner hall of the Tahoto. The statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the principal object of worship, and a cane that has been handed down from the Three Countries are enshrined in the inner hall.
The principal image of worship is enshrined as a hidden Buddha and holds a conch shell instead of a medicinal pot. It is said to blow away people’s troubles and misfortunes.
After making a vow, some people go to the first temple to pay their respects, while others go to the Okunoin Temple on Mt. Koya. It is up to each person.
By the way, it is about 60 km (about 2 hours by car) to the first temple, “Reizanji"!