Temple 87, Nagaoji
Precinct map
History of the temple
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Nagaoji temple grounds were used for public facilities such as schools, a police station, and county offices. Locals refer to the temple as "Nagao no Kannon-san" .
Although some say the temple was founded by Shotoku Taishi, the more common theory is that it was founded by Gyoki in 739. While walking in the area, Gyoki had a vision at a roadside willow tree and carved a statue of Sho Kannon Bosatsu from the tree. This became the main image of the temple. Later, Kobo Daishi visited the temple. At the beginning of the year, he prayed for seven nights for a successful journey to China, while also praying for the safety of the nation and a good harvest. These prayers have been passed down to the present day, and the Daieyo, an event to pray for protection from evil and a good harvest, is held every year on January 7.
After returning from China, Kobo Daishi visited this place again. He copied the Dainichikyo (the Vairocanābhisaṃbodhi Sūtra), one character per stone, built a memorial tower, and converted the temple to the Shingon sect. The temple was venerated by many emperors, but during the Tensho period (1592-1598) it was burned down except for the Hondo. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Matsudaira Yorishige, a feudal lord, repaired the temple. At that time, the temple was converted to the Tendai sect.January 7th.
Highlights
Nagao Tenman Jizentenjingu
During the Heian period (794-1185), there was a famous monk named Meiin at Nagaoji. He was a friend of Sugawara no Michizane, the Lord of Sanuki (Kagawa). In 902, when Sugawara no Michizane was demoted and sent to Kyushu, Meiin consoled Michizane by sending him a poem. Michizane in return gave Meiin a poem with a self-portrait as a farewell gift. Based on this story, Tenman Jizentenjingu was built in 1710 for the worship of Sugawara no Michizane as a guardian deity of this mountain.
Hondo
In 1683, Matsudaira Yorishige, a feudal lord, rebuilt the temple. Because the principal image has survived multiple fires, it is said to be the best among the seven Kannon of Sanuki, and is hidden from public view.
Shizuka-gozen Shaved Hair Mound
Mound where Shizuka-gozen is said to have buried her hair after she and her mother, Isonozenji, became nuns.
Annual Events
| January 25 | Hatsu Tenjin (Sugawara no Michizane Day and Writing Brush Prayer Ritual) |
| 2nd Sunday in October | Autumn Grand Festival |
Details
- Names: Fudarakusan, Kannonin, Nagaoji
- Denomination: Tendai sect
- Principal Image: Sho Kannon Bosatsu
- Founder: Gyoki
- Founded: 739
- Mantra of Sho Kannon Bosatsu: oṃ ālolik svāhā
Access
Address: 653 Nagao Nishi, Sanuki-shi, Kagawa 769-2302
Phone: 0879-52-2041
Parking: Available
Lodging: None
Official website: https://nagaoji.com/