Temple 60, Yokomineji

History of the temple

Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan (1982 meters elevation), is a sacred site of mountain worship and a center of Shugendo (mountain asceticism). Kobo Daishi says he engaged in Buddhist training here in his book Sankyo Shiiki, written when he was 24 years old. "At one time, I went to Ishizuchi and practiced asceticism on this mountain." The temple grounds are located on the northern part of the mountain at 750 meters. It is the third highest point in the Shikoku Pilgrimage and the most difficult place for henro korogashi, which literally means pilgrims tumbling down. This refers to steep sections where it is easy to slip and fall. A paved road up the mountain was completed in 1984, so now visitors can drive to a parking lot which is 500 meters from the temple. However, the road is closed from late December to the end of February. Large buses are not allowed on this road.

According to legend, in 651, while En no Gyoja was doing ascetic training in the Hoshigamori forest on Ishizuchi Mountain, the god Zao Gongen appeared near the summit of the mountain. En carved an image of the god into a rhododendron tree, built a small hall, and enshrined the image within the building. That is said to be the origin of the temple. During the Enryaku era (781-806), a hermit called Kokusen Sennin lived at the temple and is said to have healed Emperor Kanmu (reigned 781-806) of a brain disease, and thus received the title of Bosatsu (bodhisattva).

Kobo Daishi conducted a Hoshi Matsuri (Purifying fire ritual) at this temple during the Daido period (806-810) to pray for good luck and to ward off bad luck. At that time, he also sensed the presence of Zao Gongen, so he built a hall and made it a sacred site. In 1909 the temple was restored with the help of a group of believers.

Highlights

Hondo

The Hondo is built in the Gongen-zukuri style. The principal image is a seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana) carved by Kobo Daishi. A gilt bronze statue of Zao Gongen from the Heian period (794-1185) is also enshrined. Both have been designated as Important Cultural Properties by the prefecture.

Kobo Daishi

This statue is located at the left front of the Hondo. He is holding a sword in his right hand and a scroll of Hoshiku in his left.

Others

Rhododendron bushes are planted all along the mountainside from the Hondo to the Daishido. They are covered with bright, light red flowers starting in early May.
Hoshigamori: This is a scenic spot about 600 meters from the temple gate. It is a place of worship for the sacred mountain Ishizuchi.

Annual Events

Hoshi Matsuri (Purifying fire ritual): February 3
Hana Matsuri (Buddha’s Birthday): April 8th of lunar calendar

Details

Number: Temple 60
Names: Ishizuchisan, Fukuchiin, Yokomineji
Denomination: Shingon sect, Omuroha
Principal Image: Dainichi Nyorai
Founder: Yaku Gyoja Shokaku
Founded: 651
Mantra of Yaku Gyoja Shokaku: On Abiraunken Bazaradadan

Access

Address: 2253 Ishizuchi Kou, Komatsu Town, Saijo City, Ehime 799-1112
Phone: 0897-59-0142
Parking: Yes
Lodging: None
Official website: None
Driving directions: From the Iyo-Komatsu Interchange, take Route 11 toward Saijo City. After passing the Himi intersection, turn right onto Prefectural Route 142 and then turn right at the Yokomine Tozanguchi bus stop. You must drive up a long, narrow, windy road to reach the parking lot. A path leads 500 meters through the forest to the temple.

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