Temple 47, Yasakaji

History of the temple

Between Jōruriji and Yasakaji, which is about one kilometer to the north, the pilgrimage route winds gently through rice paddies. This part of the pilgrimage is closely associated with the legend of Emon Saburo, who is said to have been the first pilgrim of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Yasakaji was founded by Shugendo founder En no Gyoja Shokaku, and thus has a history stretching back 1,300 years. The temple is located halfway up a mountain, and was built in 701 by Ochi Tamaoki, an official of Iyo (Ehime). The temple was built by order of Emperor Monmu (reigned 697-707). It was named after the ya saka (eight slopes), the eight slopes that were cut and built at that time, and also after the word iyasaka, meaning “increasingly prosperous.”

Kobo Daishi conducted Buddhist ceremonies here in 815. He rebuilt the ruined temple and designated it as part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The principal image of the seated Amida Nyorai (Buddha of Limitless Light and Life) is said to be the work of the high priest, Eshin Sozu Genshin (942-1017), who laid the logical foundations of Pure Land Buddhism. The temple became a fundamental center of Shugendo (mountain asceticism) dedicated to the Japanese deities Kumano Gongen and the twelve shrine gongen from Kishu. Gongen are native Japanese gods accepted into Buddhism. It was also called Kumano Yasakaji. At that time, the temple had 12 monk’s cells and 48 branch temples within its precincts, and prospered to the extent that it had its own army of monks.

The temple was destroyed by fire during the Tensho period (1615-1626). Due to a succession of rebuilding and fires, the number of buildings was reduced to almost nothing, and the size of the temple continued to decline. The current location of the temple is where the twelve shrine Gongen and the Kumano Gongen were enshrined. The Hondo, Daishido, Gongendo, and a bell tower stand side by side, creating the atmosphere of a quiet village temple.

The basement of the Hondo enshrines about 8,000 statues of Amida Nyorai (Buddha of Limitless Light and Life), dedicated by believers from all over Japan.

Highlights

Enmado

Located between the Hondo and the Daishido. There are two sections, "the way to paradise" and "the way to hell." The paradise section depicts the beautiful Pure Land; the hell section depicts the world of hungry ghosts, Ashura (a Buddhist demigod), and so on.

Hand of Salvation

Go up the stone staircase towards the Hondo. On the left side of the 10th step, there is a Hand of Salvation. This hand is said to remove nine difficulties and has power for curing foot and eye diseases.

Others

• Hokyointo: a stone pagoda built in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). This temple treasure is located in the garden in front of the Kori.
• Fudosanzon: Every year on April 29, ascetic practitioners from all over the country gather here to undergo Buddhist training called Saito O-gomaku Kashozanmai Hiwatari Shugyo.

Annual Events

• Saito O-gomaku Kashozanmai Hiwatari Shugyo (Outdoor Goma fire ritual): April 29 of every year
• Mt. Ishizuchi Tohaigyo (Climbing Mt. Ishizuchi to pray at the summit): Two days and one night in July and October every year. Participation is open to the public.

Details

Number: Temple 47
Names: Kumanozan, Myōkenin, Yasakaji
Denomination: Shingon sect, Buzan sect
Principal image: Amida Nyorai
Founder: En no Gyoja
Founded: 701
Mantra of Amida Nyorai: On Amirita Teisei Karaeun

Access

Address: 773 Yasaka, Joruri Town, Matsuyama City, Ehime 791-1133
Phone: 089-963-0271
Parking: Yes (free)
Lodging: None
Official website: None
Driving directions: From the Matsuyama Interchange, take National Route 33 toward Kochi and Tobe Town. Turn left at the intersection in front of the entrance to Ehime Kodomo no Shiro. Go through the Otomoyama Tunnel. Turn right at the next traffic light, then turn right at the Yasakaji-mae bus stop. The temple is about 500 meters ahead.