Nanzenzan Jifuku-ji Temple
Sect: Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism
Principal Image: Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana Buddha)
Mantra: On Abiraun Ken
Founder: Kōbō Daishi
Established: Early Heian period
According to tradition, Taira no Noritsune, having been defeated at the Battle of Yashima, temporarily took refuge at Jifuku-ji while protecting Emperor Antoku, before leaving behind two red banners of the Taira clan and entering the Iya Valley.
It is also said that during the Nanboku-chō period, Wakiya Yoshiharu stayed at this temple and later constructed Yatsuishi Castle.
Originally, the temple stood halfway up Mount Hinomaru, but it is believed to have been relocated to its present site during the Muromachi period. In ancient times it was known as Ichinose-dera, and it is thought that the name was changed to Jifuku-ji around the middle of the Edo period.
Among the temple’s treasures designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Tokushima Prefecture are the Daihannya Sutra of Jifuku-ji, together with three Chinese-style sutra chests, and the Seated Statue of Dainichi Nyorai, among others.
