Temple 50, Hantaji

History of the temple

Hantaji is located on a hill with a view of Matsuyama Castle, the city of Matsuyama, and the Seto Inland Sea. Because of its tranquil surroundings, the area around the temple has been designated a Scenic Forest Protection Area.

According to legend, the temple was built in the Tempyo-shoho period (749-757) by order of Emperor Kohken (749-758), and enshrines a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) carved by Gyoki. The name of the temple came from the banner given to the temple as a ritual article by the emperor. During the Konin period (810-824), Kobo Daishi made a pilgrimage to this area and stayed at the temple.

The temple later declined, but was rebuilt with the help of Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, the provincial governor of Iyo (Ehime), and the monk Gyoren. In 1279, at the request of Emperor Go-Uda (reigned 1274-1287), Mongetsu Shonin prayed for the repulsion of the Mongolian army, which was preparing for a second attempted invasion of Japan. Ippen Shonin (1239-1289), the founder of the Jishu sect of Zen Buddhism, also stayed and practiced at the temple when he returned to Iyo from Dazaifu, Fukuoka in his youth. In his later years, in 1288, Ippen dedicated to the temple the Jodo Sanbu Kyō (Three Important Sutras of the Jodo Sect), which had been in the possession of his late father, Nyobutsu.

The temple also has a strong connection with Sennyuji in Kyoto, which is the family temple of the emperor. In 1395, by order of Emperor Go-Komatsu (reigned 1382-1412), the 26th head priest of Sennyuji, Kaio, became the 7th head priest of Hantaji. Because of this connection, the temple still retains tiles bearing Sennyuji's 16-petal chrysanthemum emblem.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), the Tokugawa family favored the temple. They even dedicated one of the three statues of the Kangiten that the fourth shogun, Ietsuna had. Thirty-six temples and more than 100 branch temples were located in the temple and flourished as a large temple.

Highlights

Statue of Kankiten (Nandikeśvara)

This statue is located in the Shodendo, to the left of the Hondo. It is said that if you pray to the statue, it will bring you wealth and fame, good luck with partnership and business, and will get rid of bad luck.

24ki ceiling painting

It is located in the Seitendo to the left of the Hondo. It is said that praying will give you wealth and blessings, ward off bad luck, bring harmony between partners, and bring prosperity to your business.

Others

• Ippen Shonin
• Stone pillar of giving osettai (donations) to 10,000 people. It is located behind the stone pillar that has the temple name in front of the temple gate.

Annual Events

• Hana Matsuri (Buddha’s Birthday with free tea): April 8
• Jizo Bon (Earth Treasury Day with Children's Sumo Tournament): August 24
• Kangiten Ennichi (Nandikeśvar Day): 16th of every month
• Kangiten Daihannya Kitokai (Service of Chanting Wisdom sutras): January 16th, August 16th

Details

Number: Temple 50
Names: Higashiyama, Rurikōin, Hantaji
Denomination: Shingon sect, Buzan school
Principal image: Yakushi Nyorai
Founder: Gyoki
Founded: Tenpyo Shoho era (749-757)
Mantra of Yakushi Nyorai: On Korokoro Sendari Matougi Sowaka

Access

Address: 32 Hatadera Town, Matsuyama City, Ehime, 790-0912
Phone: 089-975-0910
Parking: Yes (free of charge)
Lodging: None
Official website: None
Driving directions: From the Matsuyama Interchange, take Route 33 to downtown Matsuyama. Turn right at the Tenzan intersection and take the Kanjosen Road. Turn right at the first intersection after the Edamatsu intersection and drive about one kilometer. After passing the Hatadera bus stop, continue for another 600 meters.