Shirafune-ji Temple

Overview

Shirafune-ji Temple is a temple of the Shingon-shu Gomosho-ha sect located in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture. It's the 81st temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Traditionally founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), it sits serenely atop a mountain commanding breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Shirafune-ji's history stretches back to 815 (弘仁6年), when Kobo Daishi is said to have buried a Nyoihoju (wish-granting jewel) and dug a well at the summit of Shirafune-yama, praying for the salvation of all beings. Later, Chisho Daishi, guided by a divine light, ascended Shirafune-yama and, receiving an oracle from a white-haired old man (the local deity), carved a Senju Kannon statue from a fragrant, luminous tree that appeared in the Seto Inland Sea. This statue became the temple's principal image, and a Buddhist hall was subsequently built around it. Two famous stories are associated with Shirafune-ji. One involves Emperor Sutoku, who, after his defeat in the Hogen Rebellion, was exiled to Sanuki. Unable to return to Kyoto, he passed away sadly in this place. Following his death wish, his body was cremated on Chidori-take (稚児嶽) and his mausoleum erected there. Strange occurrences followed in Kyoto, leading emperors, nobles, and warriors to fear and revere him, offering their estates to pray for his repose or offering religious performances, poetry, and various sacred treasures to honor his memory. Emperor Gokomatsu (the 100th emperor) even bestowed the honorary name 'Tonsho-ji' (頓証寺) on the hall enshrining the emperor's spirit. Another famous story, featured in Ueda Akinari's 'Ugetsu Monogatari,' recounts the meeting between Emperor Sutoku's spirit and the poet Saigyo, who visited the mausoleum to offer condolences during the Nin'an era. A Tamazusaki (玉章木) tree on the grounds also tells the tale of the emperor's sorrow. The other story concerns a tengu said to inhabit Shirafune-yama. Legend holds that Sagamobo, a kind tengu and one of the Eight Tengus of Japan, resides on the mountain. Once, when a young monk was sent to buy tofu, he was suddenly pushed from behind and felt as if he were flying. In the next instant, he found himself back where he started, holding a superior silken tofu unheard of in the countryside. It is still recounted that Sagamobo Tengu, taking pity on the monk's sudden errand, had given him a helping hand. Shirafune-ji is a beautiful temple where history and nature intertwine. Spend a peaceful time on this tranquil mountain overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.