Gyoki, a Buddhist priest, is said to have laid the foundations for Sankakuji Temple between 729 and 749. Now stand here before Sankakuji Temple. It is the 65th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage.
This temple belongs to the Koyasan-Shingon sect. It is located in Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture. The mountain name of Sankakuji Temple is derived from its title.
Long ago Kukai visited the temple. He sculpted the 11-faced Kanzeon statue. Kukai also sculpted a statue of Acala. He constructed a triangular fire altar. Then Kukai taught the secret “kofuku surrender goma” ritual.
The principal image of Sankakuji is the Juichimen Kannon. This is an 11-faced Kanzeon statue. It is said to bring good luck. It wards off evil. It helps with pregnancy. It provides safe childbirth. Many couples visit to pray to be blessed with a child at Sankakuji Temple.
Sankakuji is also known for its wild cherry blossoms. The temple grounds are a famous viewing spot.
Emperor Shomu’s wish led to the temple’s founding by Gyoki. This ancient temple boasts a history of over 1000 years. Emperors also deeply revered it.
The 11-faced Kanzeon, the principal deity, is a hidden treasure. It is only revealed once every 60 years. People believe it brings benefits for safe childbirth and child-rearing. They especially believe in it for granting children.
In front of the main hall stands a mountain cherry tree. It is said to be 300 to 400 years old. Poet Issa Kobayashi visited this temple. He admired the beautiful cherry blossoms. He wrote “With this, let’s try climbing. Mountain cherry”.
Be careful the road to Sankakuji is narrow near the temple. Large cars cannot pass. A bus stops 40 minutes away on foot from Sankakuji Temple. The bus runs only four times a day.
Note the steep stairs. Pregnant women receive a charm for easy childbirth. After a safe delivery, they return it to Sankakuji. Sankakuji is famous as the last temple in Ehime Prefecture. It is also a sacred site in Kagawa.