Zentsū-ji Temple

Overview

Zentsū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Zentsūji, Kagawa Prefecture, serving as the head temple of the Zentsū-ji branch of the Shingon sect. According to temple tradition, it was established in 807 by Kūkai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, who was born on the site where the temple now stands. It is the 75th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Highlights

• ●Grounds divided into the east precinct centered on the main hall and the west precinct at Kūkai's reputed birthplace
• ●The Kondō, or main hall, enshrining Yakushi Nyorai as the principal image
• ●Its role as the 75th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
• ●The Zentsū-ji Treasure Hall, which houses temple treasures

History

Temple tradition holds that Zentsū-ji was founded in 807 by Kūkai, on the very ground where he is said to have been born. The precincts are divided into the east precinct, the founding site, and the west precinct at his reputed birthplace. Over the centuries the buildings were destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions, including during the war-torn 16th century.

Map

34.2251, 133.7741 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit the east precinct, regarded as the founding site
2. 2View the Kondō main hall enshrining Yakushi Nyorai
3. 3Proceed to the west precinct at Kūkai's reputed birthplace
4. 4Admire the temple treasures at the Zentsū-ji Treasure Hall

Did you know?

💡 Zentsū-ji is counted, together with Mount Kōya and Tō-ji, among the three great sacred sites associated with Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai).

Nearby spots