Temple 40, Kanjizai-ji
Temple 40, Kanjizai-ji
Kanjizai-ji is temple No. 40 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. It’s the first temple in Ehime Prefecture. It features a hexagonal building dedicated to Benzaiten, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune and a deity of treasure and arts.
Kūkai established the temple in 807 when he carved three Buddhist deities from one piece of wood. Around 1675, all of the temple buildings burned down and the main hall and Daishi Hall were rebuilt by Date Munetoshi, the feudal lord of Uwajima. The buildings were destroyed by fire again in 1959, although the statue carved by Kūkai was saved. Today’s buildings date from 1964.
Earth from each of the 88 temples is buried around the daishido, making a miniature pilgrimage route.
Information
Name in Japanese: 観自在寺
Pronunciation: kanjizaiji
Address: 2253-1 Mishohirajo, Ainan, Minamiuwa District, Ehime Prefecture 798-4110
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