Sect: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
Principal Deity: Kobo Daishi (Kukai)
Founded: Unknown
Goeika (Sacred Chant): “The boundless power Of Kannon’s great compassion, Never failing to save—
How truly precious it is.“
Emanation Form: Seikei Kannon (Blue-Throated Kannon)
This form of Kannon is depicted sitting on a rock with the right knee raised and the left hand resting on the rock. According to legend, when the gods of India sought the elixir of immortality, a deadly poison emerged. Seeing this, Lord Shiva, out of great compassion, drank the poison, causing his throat to turn blue. This selfless act is said to have transformed him into Kannon.
○ History & Origins
This area was originally a cape extending into Susaki Bay. Two large rocks stood at the tip, and during low tide, people would pass between them. However, many accidents occurred due to waves sweeping people away. When Kobo Daishi was 42 years old, he visited this site while establishing the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. Upon learning of the dangers, he conducted memorial services for the deceased and prayers for safety on top of the two rocks. Since then, no further accidents have been recorded. This led to the temple being known as “Futatsu-Ishi Daishi” (Two-Stone Daishi).
In ancient times, the waves crashed violently near the temple entrance, but over the years, natural coastal changes turned the area into a hill. In the early Showa period, a seawall was built, and the two large rocks were buried deep underground. The legend of these rocks had become almost mythical, but in 2022, an excavation in front of the Daishi Hall, where the rocks were said to be buried, revealed the giant stones once again, turning the site into a new landmark.
○ Message from the head priest
Let us strive to have hearts like the Buddha! We are not born as demons, but as beings with the potential to become Buddhas. By chanting the mantra of Bodhicitta, the seed of Buddhahood within us will sprout. Let us take even small steps toward enlightenment.
○ Access
Address: 1-2-1 Nishimachi, Susaki, Kochi, 785-0009, Japan
Phone Number: 0889-42-0800
Large Buses: Permitted
Microbuses: Permitted