Hōshuzan Shinkō-in Hashikura-ji Temple
Sect: Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism
Principal Deity: Konpira Daigongen
Mantra: On Kubiraya Sowaka
Founder: Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai)
Founded: 828
Hashikura-ji is a temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism, said to have been founded in the fifth year of the Tenchō era (828) by Kōbō Daishi. According to tradition, its establishment was inspired by a divine revelation bestowed by Konpira Daigongen:
“Those who raise chopsticks (that is, all people of the nation), I vow to save them.”
The daily morning and evening Goma fire rituals, continuously performed for over 1,200 years since the temple’s founding, remain a central practice of devotion.
Six structures, including the Main Hall, are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and four additional buildings, including the Niō Gate, are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties.
Hashikura-ji is also known for a wide range of rituals, events, and amulets associated with chopsticks, such as Chopstick Memorial Services, First Chopsticks Blessings, and the bestowal of the sacred Nini-funi chopsticks.
In addition, the temple offers the amulet “Hibiki (Sound,Resonance)”, associated with Kongō Song Bodhisattva.
Hashikura-ji serves as a designated temple of numerous pilgrimage circuits, including:
Shikoku Bangai Twenty Sacred Sites (No. 15)
Shikoku Thirty-Six Fudō Sacred Sites (No. 4)
Shikoku Thirty-Three Kannon Sacred Sites (No. 28)
One Hundred and Eight Kannon Sacred Sites (No. 69)
Mima–Miyoshi Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Sacred Sites (No. 23)
Hashikura-ji Official Website:
http://www.hashikura.or.jp/
Hashikura-ji Web Amulet Office:
http://www.hashikura.or.jp/omamori/
