Kokugan-zan Henjo-in Dainichi-ji Temple (the 4th Temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage)

The Kokugan-zan Henjo-in Dainichi-ji Temple is the 4th temple of the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. According to tradition, Kobo Daishi spent a considerable period meditating on the Temple site, and had a vision of the Dainichi-Nyorai Buddha; this led him to carve a statue of the Dainichi-Nyorai Buddha to serve as the main object of veneration for the Temple which he proceeded to have built. The Dainichi-ji Temple’s Sanmon (Main Gate) was constructed using an unusual design featuring a bell tower with round pillars above a gateway with square pillars. The cloister that links the Main Hall with the Daishi Hall is lined with wooden statues of the bodhisattva Kannon. This is said to be connected to the 33 Kannon Temples Pilgrimage.