From Iyadaniji to Zentsūji (temples 71 – 75)
Iyadaniji (temple 71) is nestled against steep, vertical cliffs. The temple is famous for
the faces of Amida Buddha and his attendants carved into the rock. It is told that, in
this temple, many miracles happened in the past (crutches left behind can be seen).
I climbed up to the top of the hill and had a gorgeous view down to Mitoyo City.
Bus Ohenros washing hands and mouth before entering the temple grounds
Cave with water basin in front of the Buddha, wooden donation sticks,
ishi-dōrō (stone lantern) and statues of Jizos
Famous rock carvings of Buddha and attendants
In the teahouse at the bottom of the temple, there is a room with many name slips of
past Ohenros who took a rest here. I was asked by Nozomi (girl in photo) to write a
note too. Together with my name-slip, she attached them onto the wall.
The walk to Mandaraji (temple 72) leads through a beautiful bamboo forest.
In the late afternoon, I arrived in Zentsūji. It is the birthplace of Kūkai and one of the
three most important sites related to Kūkai (with Kongōbuji, Koyasan and Tōji
temple, Kyoto). The place is huge. I was lucky that I could stay overnight in the
Shukubō. The food was delicious! I participated in the early morning service and
went after the service with the other pilgrims through the pitch-dark 270 feet long
tunnel underneath the altar. Unfortunately, people were talking and I could not
experience darkness and silence at the same time.
Five story pagoda in Zentsūji
Camphor tree in Zentsūji
Statue of Kōbō Daishi in the background
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