Negoroji Temple

Overview

Negoroji Temple is a Tendai sect temple located in Nakayamacho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. Officially known as Seihōzan, Senjuin, it is the 82nd temple on the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage. The principal deity is Senju Kannon Bosatsu. According to temple legend, Kukai (Kobo Daishi) visited this area during the Koin era (810-824) and, sensing the five peaks of Goshikidai as embodying the five wisdom Buddhas of the Kongo Kai mandala, deemed it a suitable place for esoteric Buddhist practice. He is said to have built a temple on one of the peaks, Seihō, dedicated to the Five Great Wisdom Kings, calling it Kazo-in and performing goma rituals to pray for the salvation of all beings. Later, Enchin (Jizo Daishi) visited in 832 and, guided by an old man who was said to be the manifestation of the Ichinose Myojin mountain deity, carved a Kannon statue from a sacred tree in Renke Valley and established a Kannon pilgrimage temple. Enchin carved the Senju Kannon statue and built Senjuin to enshrine it. This sacred tree was a fragrant wood, and its stump continued to release a pleasant aroma, leading to the combined name Negoroji Temple (root-fragrance temple) for these two temples. The temple thrived, receiving patronage as a royal temple under Emperor Goshirakawa, but temple records indicate that extensive damage was caused by pirates from the Eisho era onward. However, it was rebuilt by Ikoma Kazumasa, the lord of Takamatsu Castle, in the Keicho era, and again restored in 1664 by Matsudaira Yorishige, the first lord of the Takamatsu domain. During this time the sect was changed from Shingon to Tendai. Negoroji Temple is famous for its Senju Kannon statue, unveiled once every 33 years. Its majestic beauty captivates many visitors. The temple grounds also house Kazo-in, built by Kobo Daishi, and Senjuin, founded by Jizo Daishi, each rich with historical significance. Goshikidai has five peaks representing the five colors of the esoteric Buddhist sect founded by Kobo Daishi, each named after a different color (blue, yellow, red, white, and black). Since ancient times, it has been a place of faith welcoming numerous people. It's also associated with Emperor Sutoku and is considered one of the most powerful energy spots in the prefecture. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons and the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea's many islands. Negoroji Temple is a peaceful place surrounded by history and nature. We highly recommend a visit.