Deep in the heart of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, lies Zentsūji, a temple radiating an aura of peace and profound history. Unlike the sprawling grandeur of some Japanese temples, Zentsūji possesses a more intimate, human scale. Zentsūji is not just any temple. It’s the very birthplace of Kūkai, the revered figure also known as Kōbō-Daishi. Born here in 774, Kōbō-Daishi would grow to become a pivotal figure in Japanese Buddhism. He founded the Shingon school, championed the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and even invented the Kana writing system. Established in 813 by Kōbō-Daishi himself, Zentsūji marks the 75th stop on the famed 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. The temple grounds, though not as expansive as some, are split into two distinct sections. First, the Garan or East Wing, houses structures like the Kondo and the iconic five-storied pagoda. This wing has stood since Zentsūji’s inception. The second section, the West Wing known as the Tanjōin, centers around the Mieido, built on the very site of Kōbō-Daishi’s family home. Venture beneath the Mieido, and you’ll discover the Kaidan Meguri, a 100-meter passage shrouded in darkness. It’s said that by navigating this pitch-black corridor while touching the wall, one can achieve a profound connection with Kōbō-Daishi himself. Zentsūji is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to the enduring influence of Kōbō-Daishi, a place where history and spirituality intertwine.
善通寺
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浅野長勲公頌徳碑 Stele
“Remembering greatness” is etched in stone before us. The \u6d45\u91ce\u9577\u52f2\u516c\u980c\u5fb3\u7891 Stele stands as a testament. It honors Asano Nagakoto. This