Maegamiji
愛媛県
The 64th Shikoku pilgrimage temple at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, where En no Gyoja built a hermitage around 685 and which served as the sacred Buddhist temple of Ishizuchi Shrine
Founded
685
Type
Temple
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JR石鎚山駅から徒歩15分
愛媛県西条市洲之内甲1426
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Overview
Maegamiji is the 64th temple of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage, enshrining Amida Nyorai in Saijo City at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi. Traditionally founded by En no Gyoja during ascetic training on the sacred mountain, it served as the Buddhist temple of Ishizuchi Shrine. It remains an important base for pilgrims climbing the holy peak.
Origins
Maegamiji Temple is said to have been founded around 685 CE during the reign of Emperor Tenmu. According to tradition, En no Ozunu (En no Gyoja), the legendary founder of Shugendo asceticism, built a hermitage here after undergoing austere training on Mount Ishizuchi. The sacred mountain has long be…
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Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage (Henro)
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Divine Benefits
Purification
Rebirth in Pure Land
Cleansing impurity, spiritual purification, driving away evil. Rooted in misogi ablutions and goma fire rites.
Derived from the enshrined deity "阿弥陀如来"
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