Sect: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
Principal Deity: Amitabha Tathagata
Founded: 1880
Goeika (Sacred Chant): “A clear path in the land of law, With the cloth spread on the grass, The hearts of those who walk here Will be illuminated by the pure light of Amitabha.“
Emanation Form: Non-dual Kannon (Funi Kannon)
The figure is depicted standing on a lotus leaf on the water, with both hands joined together. It is said that this Kannon transforms into a Nio (guardian deity) to protect and save us. The term Funi means that the compassionate Kannon and the fearsome Nio are not separate, but both are manifestations of the same Buddha. This represents the overcoming of dualistic concepts such as delusion and enlightenment, existence and non-existence, guiding us toward a state of absolute equality and unity.
○ History & Origins
The temple was founded in 1880 by Tadakichiro Ayai, a devout local believer from the town of Sakaide. The mountain name of the temple is also Ayaizan. The main deity, the Amitabha Triad, was carved to pray for the repose of the mother of Emperor Sutoku (1119–1164), the 75th emperor of Japan. These three statues were originally housed in the Shiramine Temple (near Shiramineji, the 81st temple in the Shikoku 88 temples pilgrimage, a 20-minute drive from Seidoji), and were transferred to Seidoji when the temple was founded. Over time, people from various regions have visited to pray at this temple, which also serves as a place for offering prayers for the repose of the ancestors of the Ayai family.
○ Message from the head priest
- The road around the temple is narrow, so be careful of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians!
- Search using Google Maps or Street View!
- There is a parking lot beside the temple (no access for large buses).
- Visitors are welcome to worship in the main hall!
○ Access
Address: 3-2-1 Honmachi, Sakaide, Kagawa, 762-0044, Japan
Phone Number: 0877-46-4217
Large Buses: Not permitted
Microbuses: Permitted