Sect: Shingon Buddhism Daigo Sect
Principal Deity: Sei Kannon Bosatsu (Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva)
Founded: Around 740
Goeika (Sacred Chant): “You, at times, Are the shining light of the holy one’s traces, Now, the peak of Shokaku cannot be surpassed.“
Emanation Form: Ichinyo Kannon (Non-dual Kannon)
Ichinyo Kannon is depicted sitting on a cloud, with right knee raised, symbolizing the power to protect from calamities from above. The Kannon Sutra states that even if thunder roars and rainstorms come, if one prays to Kannon, the storm will dissipate. This Kannon protects us from disasters from the sky. The name Ichinyo expresses the wish to merge completely with Kannon, embodying the desire to be one with the divine.
○ History & Origins
At the request of Emperor Shomu (701–756), Gyoki Bosatsu visited the mountain and, using a great tree from the province of Bizen, carved three statues of Sei Kannon from one single tree. These statues were enshrined as the main deity of the temple, and the secret Buddha is revealed every 33 years.
Later, at the request of Emperor Kanmu (737–806), Sakanoue no Tamuramaro built a seven-building temple complex on the site. The temple was struck by three major fires, and the current structure was rebuilt during the Edo period, with contributions from Den-ya Miyamoto, the village elder, and Gosaemon Maruo, a prominent ship owner. One remnant of this rebuilding is the rudder of a 100-ton ship, which was used as a beam in the floor of the Kannon Hall.
This site is also the birthplace of Shobo Rigen Daishi, the founder of the Daigoji temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect. Along the path leading to the temple stands the tomb of his mother, Princess Ayako.
○ Message from the head priest
This is a mountain temple on a small island. If you’re visiting for the first time, please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.
○ Access
Address: 842 Tomari, Motomachi, Marugame, Kagawa, 763-0223, Japan
Phone Number: 0877-27-3204
Large Buses: Not permitted
Microbuses: Permitted
Official Website