Kanjizaiji, Temple 40, Shikoku

The temples in Ehime are called Temples of Enlightenment. Kanjizaiji is the first of these and farthest from Temple One, Ryōzenji. It is called, “the secret checkpoint of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.” It is located in the southernmost town in Ehime, facing the beautiful coast of the Uwa Sea. Visitors can fully enjoy the scenery of Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park, which is known for marine recreation and pearl production.

According to legend, Kobo Daishi visited here in 807 by order of Emperor Heijo (reigned 806-809). He carved and enshrined the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) and the supporting images of Amida Nyorai (Buddha of Limitless Light and Life) and Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu (Eleven-faced Bodhisattva Who Hears the Sounds of the World) from a single sacred tree, and founded the temple. He also carved Namu Amida Butsu (“I venerate Amida Buddha”) on the remaining part of the sacred tree, created a boat-shaped seal, and prayed for curing the illnesses of all people.

Emperor Heijo presented the temple with an imperial tablet named Heijōzan and frequently visited the temple. He collected the temple stamps, dedicated sutras, and sent an imperial envoy every year to perform the Goma fire ritual. The next ruler, Emperor Saga (reigned 809-823) also often visited the temple. For this reason, this area is called Misho (Imperial Land) or Heijo after the name on the imperial tablet.

In 1638 Kusho Hoshinno from Daikakuji stayed at the temple and gave it the name Yakushiin. At that time the temple had vast land holdings, seven major buildings, and 48 branch temples. However, all the buildings were destroyed by fire. Since then, the temple has made efforts to restore its past glory as a temple of the Date family, the feudal lords of Uwajima.