Sect: Shingon Buddhism Omuro School
Principal Deity: Amitabha Buddha
Founded: 717
Goeika (Sacred Chant): “Homage to the Great Compassion, the great grace of Kannon,
Endless are the benefits, through the temple of the Dharma.“
Emanation Form: Shuho Kannon (Kannon of the Treasures of the People)
This form of Kannon is depicted sitting on a rock, with the right hand resting on the ground and the left hand placed on the left knee. The Lotus Sutra states, “If millions of people, in search of treasure, are shipwrecked and land on an island inhabited by a demoness who eats human flesh, if even one person calls upon Kannon’s name, they will be saved from the island.” The treasure here refers to the treasure within our hearts, meaning the Buddha nature.
○ History & Origins
Hotsuji Temple was founded in the first year of Yoro (717), making it one of the oldest temples in the nearby area. Initially known as “Yakoji” with Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) as the main deity, the temple was destroyed by fire in the second year of Bunjo (1467). Although the main deity survived the fire, all historical records were lost.
In the fifth year of Tensho (1577), with the support of the lord of Maruoka Castle, Arima Uhei Satohara Yoshimitsu, the temple buildings were rebuilt. The Amitabha Buddha statue, believed to have been created by Gyoki, was enshrined as the main deity, and the temple was renamed Muryojuzan Raigyoin Hotsuji.
During the Edo period, the temple flourished under the patronage of the Uwajima Domain’s Matsudaira family. In recent years, the temple has built the “Hencho-kaku” hall for the lay congregation and created a miniature pilgrimage site with all 88 temples of Shikoku, attracting many pilgrims.
○ Message from the head priest
Hotsuji is located at the westernmost tip of Shikoku, at the base of the long Sada Peninsula. From the temple, you can enjoy a view of the sea, surrounded by citrus groves in a natural and serene environment. We warmly invite you to visit and experience the tranquility of this beautiful location.
○ Access
Address: 692 Nakaura Kabuto, Ikata, Nishiuwa, Ehime, 796-0311, Japan
Phone Number: 0894-38-0423
Large Buses: Permitted
Microbuses: Permitted
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