Shusshakaji Temple 73, Shikoku

The founding of Shusshakaji is associated with one of the legends of Kobo Daishi’s childhood, the Shashingatake Engi. When Kobo Daishi was seven years old and was called Mao, he climbed Mt. Gahaishi. He said, “In the future, I want to be a Buddhist priest and spread the teachings of Buddha to save many people. If my wish is to be fulfilled, then please appear to me, Shaka Nyorai (the Historical Buddha). 

If it does not come true, I will give up my life and devote myself to the Buddhas.” Then he threw himself off the precipice. A purple cloud appeared. Shaka Nyorai and a celestial maiden with wings descended and embraced Kobo Daishi in the cloud. Years later, Kobo Daishi, whose life was saved and whose wish was fulfilled, built a temple on Mount Gahaishi, carved a statue of Shaka Nyorai, and dedicated it to the temple.

This place is called Shashingatake Zenjo. Formerly one of the sacred sites in the Shikoku Pilgrimage, it is now the inner temple of Shusshakaji, and is located about 50 minutes’ walk up a steep hill from the main temple.

Shusshakaji has another name, Gumonjiin. This comes from a story that Kobo Daishi performed the Gumonji Ho ritual, reciting the mantra of Kokuzo Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Memory) one million times. It is said that the performance of this ritual gives power for academic achievement and prevents forgetfulness.

The place where Kobo Daishi threw himself off the rock is about 50 meters farther up the mountain. Looking down, the bottom of the valley is deep enough to make your head spin. Looking out, there is a spectacular view of the Sanuki Plain and the Seto Inland Sea.