Anraku-ji, the sixth temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, is famously known as "Onsen Mountain" for its deep historical connection to healing hot springs. The area's iron-colored springs were long believed to alleviate various ailments, a reputation that persists to this day. This healing theme is central to the temple's identity, further emphasised by its historical role as an official rest stop, or *ekiroji*, for pilgrims. Established as such by a local lord in the 16th century, its *shukubō* (pilgrim lodging) has offered travellers respite for over 400 years. The temple grounds are rich with art and legend. They house over 60 modern Buddhist statues by the sculptor Matsumoto Myōkei, created in the classical style of Unkei and Kaikei. Among the many stories associated with Anraku-ji is that of a woman who was cured of a spinal disease after completing the pilgrimage and who later dedicated a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of Healing) in gratitude. Another legend tells of a pine tree planted by the pilgrimage's founder, Kūkai, which is said to have protected him from an arrow during his unlucky 42nd year.

Pt . 3: Anraku-ji: Sixth Temple of the Sacred Shikoku Pilgrimage in Tokushima, Japan.

#kobodaishi #弘法大師 #pilgrimage #お遍路 #tokushimaprefecture #徳島県 #shikokupilgrimage #四国遍路 #japan #発心の道場 #shikoku #anrakuji #安楽寺

Anraku-ji, the sixth temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, is famously known as "Onsen Mountain" for its deep historical connection to healing hot springs. The area's iron-colored springs were long believed to alleviate various ailments, a reputation that persists to this day. This healing theme is central to the temple's identity, further emphasised by its historical role as an official rest stop, or *ekiroji*, for pilgrims. Established as such by a local lord in the 16th century, its *shukubō* (pilgrim lodging) has offered travellers respite for over 400 years. The temple grounds are rich with art and legend. They house over 60 modern Buddhist statues by the sculptor Matsumoto Myōkei, created in the classical style of Unkei and Kaikei. Among the many stories associated with Anraku-ji is that of a woman who was cured of a spinal disease after completing the pilgrimage and who later dedicated a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of Healing) in gratitude. Another legend tells of a pine tree planted by the pilgrimage's founder, Kūkai, which is said to have protected him from an arrow during his unlucky 42nd year.

Pt . 2: Anraku-ji: Sixth Temple of the Sacred Shikoku Pilgrimage in Tokushima, Japan.

#kobodaishi #弘法大師 #pilgrimage #お遍路 #tokushimaprefecture #徳島県 #shikokupilgrimage #四国遍路 #japan #発心の道場 #shikoku #anrakuji #安楽寺

Anraku-ji, the sixth temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, is famously known as "Onsen Mountain" for its deep historical connection to healing hot springs. The area's iron-colored springs were long believed to alleviate various ailments, a reputation that persists to this day. This healing theme is central to the temple's identity, further emphasised by its historical role as an official rest stop, or *ekiroji*, for pilgrims. Established as such by a local lord in the 16th century, its *shukubō* (pilgrim lodging) has offered travellers respite for over 400 years. The temple grounds are rich with art and legend. They house over 60 modern Buddhist statues by the sculptor Matsumoto Myōkei, created in the classical style of Unkei and Kaikei. Among the many stories associated with Anraku-ji is that of a woman who was cured of a spinal disease after completing the pilgrimage and who later dedicated a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of Healing) in gratitude. Another legend tells of a pine tree planted by the pilgrimage's founder, Kūkai, which is said to have protected him from an arrow during his unlucky 42nd year.

Anraku-ji: Sixth Temple of the Sacred Shikoku Pilgrimage in Tokushima, Japan.

#kobodaishi #弘法大師 #pilgrimage #お遍路 #tokushimaprefecture #徳島県 #shikokupilgrimage #四国遍路 #japan #発心の道場 #shikoku #anrakuji #安楽寺

A small statue of a squash at Anraku-ji. It is often thought that eating squash, especially during special winter rituals, will help protect against dementia.

Behind Anraku-ji's rustic gate.

The garden at Anraku-ji. with hints of autumn here and there.

The steps leading up to Anraku-ji's gate are lined with maple trees, making it a popular spot during the autumn.

A friendly squash guards the precincts of Anraku-ji (住蓮山安楽寺).
The temple was revived with the founding of Hōnen-in in 1681. It was built in honor of Jūren & Anraku (disciples of Hōnen), who were executed after being accused of seducing two of the emperor's concubines.

#京都 #安楽寺 #Anrakuji #Kyoto