Sect: Shingon Buddhism, Buzan School
Principal Deity: Senju Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu
Founded: Around 730
Goeika (Sacred Chant): “In every era, the noble form of Kannon remains, Offering the lotus with an open heart.“
Emanation Form: Amatei Kannon
It is said that if one chants the name of Kannon Bosatsu during times of anxiety, Kannon will manifest and dispel fear and unease, bringing great peace. Because of this, Kannon is also known as “Fearless Kannon” (Mui Kannon). Besides the form represented at this sacred site, Kannon is often depicted making the Semuiin (Fear-Dispelling Mudra).
○ History & Origins
Originally, this temple was located on Yuri Island, a small isolated island floating in the Iyo Sea. During the Tenpyo era (729–749), the monk Giko carried a statue of the Eleven-Faced Kannon, said to be crafted by the famous Buddhist monk Gyoki, across the sea to Yuri Island. There, he established a small hermitage, marking the temple’s foundation.
For many years, offerings of incense, flowers, and lanterns never ceased, and the temple flourished. However, during the Koan era (1278–1288), a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck the island, leaving it in ruins. The islanders, along with the temple, abandoned the island and relocated to the present site. This tragic event is still remembered in the Seto Inland Sea region through the saying, “Yuri Senken Yuri Konda”, which tells of the thousands of homes lost beneath the waves.
Today, behind the principal Eleven-Faced Kannon statue, one thousand small 15-centimeter-tall Kannon statues are enshrined. These were installed during the Jokyo era (1684–1688) as a dedication to the thousand Kannon statues of Kyoto’s Sanjusangen-do Temple. Additionally, the temple enshrines a statue of King Enma, along with numerous other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, serving as a place of deep faith and devotion for many followers to this day.
○ Message from the head priest
The shape of the mountains, a single blooming flower—both are forms of the Buddha.
The crowing of a rooster, the murmur of a stream—both are the compassionate voices of Kannon.
May your pilgrimage be a journey where you encounter the Buddha and listen to the voice of Kannon.
○ Access
Address: 1-2-33 Kosanitsu, Matsuyama, Ehime, 791-8067, Japan
Phone Number: 089-951-0576
Large Buses: Not permitted
Microbuses: Permitted
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