Temple 22, Byōdōji

History of the Temple

In 814, when Kobo Daishi visited this temple and started to meditate, Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) appeared in his mind. While thinking of Yakushi Nyorai, Kobo Daishi made the following vow, "I will heal all people equally of their mental and physical diseases.”

There is another legend about when Kobo Daishi was engaged in Buddhist training in this area. He dug a well in search of holy water and water as white as milk gushed out of the ground. He purified himself with this water and performed a Goma fire ritual for 100 days. After that he carved a wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai and enshrined it as the principal image of the temple. This is why the mountain name of this temple (temples are metaphorically called mountains) is Hakusuizan (White Water Mountain) while the temple’s institutional name is Byōdōji. Thereafter, the temple flourished on a large scale, but by the early Edo period (1603-1868), it was once abandoned. In 1680 the temple was rebuilt by Teruyoshi Ajari and others who came from Iyo (Ehime). The existing Hondo was rebuilt in 1737, the Daishido in 1824.

Kobo Daishi dug a well on the lower left side of the otoko yakuyokezaka (the staircase to ward off evil for men). It is filled with holy water that never runs dry no matter what the weather is like. The water is clear and colorless, suitable for drinking, and is known throughout the country as, "Kobo Daishi's sacred water." It is thought to be effective against all diseases.

Highlights

Hakoguruma (Box-shaped cars)

Three hakoguruma are in the Hondo. They were dedicated to commemorate people whose feet were miraculously healed when they visited this temple during the Taisho (1912-1926) and Showa (1926-1989) eras.

The principal image of Yakushi Nyorai

It was carved by Kobo Daishi, who vowed to, "heal all people equally of mental and physical illnesses.” The temple is open to visitors at all times, so please take your time to visit and enjoy the sight of this statue.

Others

Annual Events

• New Year's Goma fire ritual: January 1 (midnight, 10:00, 15:00), January 2 (10:00, 15:00), January 3 (10:00, 15:00)
• Honzon Hatsueshiki (Ceremony related to the principal image): Late January (10:00)
• Hoshi Matsuri (purifying fire ritual):　January 28 to February 4　(one week before Lichun)
• Haru Higane (Spring memorial service for Kobo Daishi): March 21 (10:00)
• Hana Matsuri (Budda’s Birthday, celebrated with Japanese tea and sweets): April 8
• Watermelon Splitting: August 14 (15:00)
• Hoshi Matsuri (purifying fire ritual): December 22 to December 28 (one week starting from the winter solstice)
• Yakushi Soyaku Go: The 8th of every month (15:00)
• Juichimen Sokussai Goma (Goma fire ritual): The 18th (15:00)
• Fudo Sokusai Goma (Goma fire ritual): The 28th of every month (15:00)
• Sunday Service (osettai lunch ceremony): The 2nd Sunday of every month (11:00)
• Ajikan ( Shingon meditation) guidance and tea ceremony: The 1st Saturday and 1st Monday of every month (11:00)

Details

Number: Temple 22
Names: Hakusuizan, Iōin, Byōdōji
Denomination: Koyasan Shingon sect
Principal image: Yakushi Nyorai
Founder: Kobo Daishi
Founded: 814
Mantra of Yakushi Nyorai: On Korokoro Sendari Matougi Sowaka

Access

Address: 177, Aratanocho-Akiyama, Anan City, Tokushima 779-1510
Phone: 0884-36-3522
Parking: 30 cars and microbuses, 5 buses (7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., free of charge)
Lodging: https://byodoji.jp/stay (information in Japanese only)
Official website:　https://www.byodoji.jp/
Official Social media:　Facebook, Instagram, Twitter