Temple 37, Iwamoto-ji
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Temple 37, Iwamoto-ji
Iwamoto-ji is temple No. 37 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, or Henro. It’s located close to the JR Yodo Line and the Shimanto River.
What to see
Iwamoto-ji Temple is set back a little from the nearest road. The approach passes through ancient stone pillars and up a short flight of steps and through a gabled Niō Gate with chunky guardian statues. The temple office and water basin is to the left after the gate. The buildings are hung with gaily coloured curtains representing the five basic elements.
The main hall and belfry are on the right. The main hall was built in 1978 and at that time, painters and local people were invited to submit painted panels for the ceiling of the hall, which is an eclectic mix including a flirtatious Marilyn Monroe among many other images. To the left of the main hall is the Suiten Shrine, and behind the bell tower is the Daishi Hall. In front of the main hall, there’s a shop selling souvenirs, and a pilgrim’s lodging. In the centre of the temple plaza is the Seiten Hall, an unusual circular hall dedicated to the goddess of joy. Five golden life-size Buddhas have been added recently.
The Tosa Kuroshio Railway tracks run behind the temple grounds, and you can see the occasional train while visiting the temple.
The temple is currently experimenting with an art and meditation project.
History
According to temple legend, Emperor Shōmu ordered Gyōki to establish the temple. It was located on the banks of the Niida River slightly northwest of the present site. Later, Kūkai came to the area and built more temple facilities which prospered as a place of worship for Emperor Saga. In the late 1500s, these temples were destroyed by the forces of Chōsokabe Motochika, but their sacred images were transferred to a temple that functioned as a lodging for pilgrims on the way to Ashizuri. This temple was renamed Iwamoto-ji.
In 1871 in the early Meiji period, Iwamoto-ji was ordered to be closed as part of the suppression of Buddhism, but it reopened in 1889.
Information
Name in Japanese: 岩本寺
Pronunciation: iwamoto-ji
Address: 3-13 Shigekushimachi, Shimanto, Takaoka-gun, Kochi 786-0004
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