The Shikoku Pilgrimage Temple Guide
Temple 74, Kōyamaji
Precinct map
History of the temple
The area around Kōyamaji was Kobo Daishi's home, where he often played as a child. When he was middle aged, he came back, looking for a site on which to build a temple between Zentsuji and Mandaraji. One day while walking up Mt. Kabuto, an old man appeared from a cave and said, "I am a saint who has lived here since ancient times, giving happiness and benefit to people and spreading the teachings of Buddha. If you build a temple here, I will protect it forever.” Kobo Daishi, who was very pleased, carved a statue of Bishamonten (Vaishravana), enshrined it in a rock cave, and prayed.
Later, Kobo Daishi was ordered by Emperor Saga to oversee the repair of Mannoike, the largest reservoir in Japan. Nobody could accomplish this difficult work, not even the envoys dispatched by the Imperial Court. Kobo Daishi prayed for the completion of the construction work at a rock cave on Mount Kabuto and carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha). In response, tens of thousands of people gathered, showing their respect for Kobo Daishi, and together they completed the work in only three months. Kobo Daishi was given a huge amount of money for this achievement by the Imperial Court, 20,000 sen. He used some of the money to build the temple, and placed the Yakushi Nyorai statue he had carved as the principal image. He named the temple Kōyamaji (甲山寺) because the shape of the mountain resembles the armor (甲) of Bishamonten.
Yakushi Nyorai is a Buddha who is said to remove all ailments of the body and mind. Naturally, he will support pilgrims who visit Kōyamaji.
Highlights
Hondo
The Hondo is made of Japanese cypress. The statue of Yakushi Nyorai, which has a massive appearance and a strong, firm expression on its face, is enshrined here.
Rock Cave of Bishamonten
There is a rock cave about 12 meters in depth located to the left of the Daishido. A statue of Bishamonten (God of Treasure, Wealth, and Warriors), carved by Kobo Daishi, is enshrined here.
Koyasu Jizo
This statue is enshrined next to the stone steps leading to the Daishido. It has power for having children. It is a custom to take home a Jizo apron in hopes of having a child. If the wish comes true, a new apron will be brought back to the temple.
Annual Events
| January 1st to 3rd | Bishamonten no Hiho Osame (The temple practices the ritual of Bishamonten and hands out good luck charms to visitors) |
| April 8 | Hana Matsuri (Buddha’s Birthday) |
| September 23 (Autumnal equinox mid-day) | Higan-e Eitai Kuyo Hoyo (Memorial Service) |
Details
Names: Iōzan, Tahōzan, Kōyamaji
Denomination: Shingon sect, Zentsuji school
Principal image: Yakushi Nyorai
Founder: Kobo Daishi
Founded: Early Heian Period (794-1185)
Access
Address: 1765-1, Hirota-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa 765-0071
Phone: 0877-63-0074
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Lodging: None
Official website: https://koyamaji.or.jp/