Temple 48, Sairinji

History of the temple

There is a stream in front of the temple with clean water. In front of the temple gate, there is a stone inscribed with a haiku by Masaoka Shiki, "Autumn breeze, teiregi of Takai, sea bream of Mitsu." Teiregi is a water plant used as a side dish with sashimi. It grows wild in the clear streams around here and is designated a Natural Treasure by Matsuyama City. Takai and Mitsu are nearby towns.

According to legend, in 741, by order of Emperor Shomu (reigned 724-749), Gyoki and provincial Governor Ochi Tamazumi built this temple as a Provincial Temple to go along with the Provincial Shrine, Ichinomiya. At that time, the temple was located in the Tokui no Sato area around present-day Ono Harimazuka in Matsuyama City. Gyoki carved and enshrined the principal image of Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu (Eleven-faced Bodhisattva Who Hears the Sounds of the World). In 807 Kobo Daishi stayed at this temple when he made a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Shikoku. Kobo Daishi consulted with the provincial governor, Prince Ochi Sanekatsu, and moved the temple to its present location. He also designated the temple as a Shikoku Pilgrimage site, and as a place to pray for the safety of the nation.

At that time, the village was suffering from a severe drought. Kobo Daishi poked his staff into the ground nearby and found a vein of fresh water, saving the villagers. Jo no Fuchi, located 300 meters southwest of the temple, is said to be the site of this miracle. The water has never run dry. It irrigates the land, and was selected as one of the Top Waters in Japan in 1985.

In the Kanei era (1624-1644), the temple was destroyed by fire. In 1700 it was partially rebuilt by Matsudaira Ikinokami, his retainers, magistrates, and other officials. Beginning in 1707, the Matsuyama clan supported the temple after a priest of the temple, Kakuei Hoin, fulfilled the villagers' prayers for rain. The Matsuyama clan made efforts to rebuild the Hondo and Shorodo, and also reconstructed the Daishido and Niomon Gate in the late Edo period (1603-1868). The present Daishido was rebuilt in 2008.

Highlights

Fukuju Jizo Bosatsu (Blessing Earth Treasury Bodhisattva)

In the garden in front of the temple office is a statue of Jizo that is said to grant happiness to people by fulfilling a wish for those who come to pray.

Kokotake (Filial piety bamboo)

Parent bamboo and children bamboo grow close to each other in front of the Enmado. Together they are a symbol of family happiness.

Temple Treasure, Shikoku Henro Ezu (Illustrated Map of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, 1763)

This is valuable as the oldest map of the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple also has a copy of the Shikoku Ryōjoki (Shikoku Sacred Sites Chronicle, 1891), another valuable resource.

Details

Number: Temple 48
Names: Seiryūzan, Anyōin, Sairinji
Denomination: Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism
Principal Image: Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu
Founder: Gyoki
Founded: 741
Mantra of Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu: On Maka Kyaronikya Sowaka

Access

Address: 1007 Takaicho, Matsuyama, Ehime 791-1111
Phone: 089-975-0319
Parking: Yes (free of charge)
Lodging: None
Official website: None
Driving directions: From the Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 toward Tobe. Turn left at the Morimatsu intersection, then left again at the Morimatsu bus terminal, and finally another left at the intersection past Jonofuchi Park. The temple will be on your right, just past Jonofuchi Park.