0507 Yakuo-ji Temple (Tokushima Prefecture): A Superb Disaster-Warding Temple Where the Kukai-Carved Principal Image Flew to Avoid Fire
Benefits of Yakuo-ji Temple
Disaster warding, healing of illnesses
360-degree view of Yakuo-ji Temple
About Yakuo-ji Temple
Known throughout Japan as a fundamental prayer site for warding off disasters, this is a temple dedicated to disaster prevention. Gyoki built the foundation of the temple under the imperial decree of Emperor Shomu, and Kukai carved the principal image, the Disaster-Warding Yakushi Nyorai, by the imperial order of Retired Emperor Heizei, thus founding the temple. It is a power spot for warding off disasters.
Belfry
It is understandable that the power here is different, as Kukai himself carved the Yakushi Nyorai statue to pray for disaster prevention during his own yakudoshi (unlucky age) of 42. It is a special head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect and the 23rd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
The 'Yaku-zaka' (Disaster Slopes) consist of a 42-step Men's Slope, a 33-step Women's Slope, and a 61-step slope for both men and women during their kanreki (60th birthday) unlucky year. It follows a unique method of washing away misfortune by offering a coin on each step as you climb. This is a custom that has continued for several hundred years. It was renovated to its current form in the 5th year of Bunka (1808).
The Yugi-to Pagoda is a must-visit point and the symbol of the temple. Inside, the Yakushi Triad and the Five Wisdom Buddhas are enshrined. Located at the top of the 61-step Kanreki Yaku-zaka, it offers a panoramic view of the town of Hiwasa. It is a magnificent view that also includes the Hiwasa River flowing into the Pacific Ocean.
The 'Hai-Daishi' (Lung Daishi), where sacred water containing radium (Ruri no Mizu) springs forth, is highly efficacious for illnesses such as lung disease. A stone statue of Kobo Daishi is enshrined inside the small shrine. The spring water, imbued with the power of Kobo Daishi, flows endlessly from beneath the base of the shrine.
The 'Zuigu no Kane' (Bell of Wish Fulfillment) is a bell for eliminating disasters. If you chant the mantra and strike the bell the number of times corresponding to your age (by traditional Japanese counting), your disasters and sins will be wiped away. The disaster-warding here is very thorough, isn't it?
The Daishi-do Hall is a vintage zone built 200 years ago in the 3rd year of Bunsei (1820), enshrining a seated statue of Kobo Daishi and the eight patriarchs of the Shingon sect. On both sides, statues of Jikokuten and Bishamonten, created 300 years ago in the 9th year of Kyoho (1724), are placed as attendants.
(The Yugi-to Pagoda is slightly visible at the foot of the mountain on the left)
The Nio-mon Gate is roofed with authentic tiles and was built nearly 200 years ago in the 6th year of Tenpo (1835). The Nio statues glare to protect the sanctuary of the temple grounds, preventing the entry of evil things.
There are also literary monuments associated with Eiji Yoshikawa and Ryotaro Shiba scattered throughout, as well as numerous exhibits.
In spring, the harmony between the cherry blossoms and Yakuo-ji Temple is a delight to the eyes. The night view is also magnificent.
The Hiwasa River flows into the Pacific Ocean.
According to spiritual legend, during a fire in 1188 that completely burned down the main hall, the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai flew to Tamazushi-yama mountain behind the temple while emitting light, and later returned while emitting light again, entered the shrine, and closed the doors itself, becoming a hidden Buddha known as the 'Backward-Facing Yakushi'.