Konsen-ji Temple

Konsen-ji Temple (金泉寺) is steeped in history and spiritual significance as Temple No. 3 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Originally founded in the 8th century by the revered monk Gyoki during the reign of Emperor Shomu (724–749), the temple’s principal image is a 91 cm statue of Shaka Nyorai (the Historical Buddha), flanked by Amida Nyorai and Yakushi Nyorai. Its name, meaning “Golden Spring Temple,” stems from a later event in the early 9th century, when Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism, dug a well to aid villagers suffering from drought. This well—believed to hold water that promotes longevity—became a spiritual symbol and gave the temple its current name.

Konsen-ji flourished as a spiritual hub under imperial patronage. Emperor Kameyama, who later became a Buddhist priest, frequently visited and commissioned a special hall modeled after Kyoto’s Sanjusangendo, once housing 1,000 statues of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The temple also became a center of Buddhist scholarship, complete with a sutra library that drew monks from across the region. Today, Konsen-ji remains closely linked to Japan’s imperial heritage—Emperor Chokei’s tomb lies behind the main hall—and continues to welcome pilgrims. Highlights include the Jibo Kannon, protector of mothers and children; the Koyasu Daishi; and the Benkei Stone, where the legendary warrior monk Benkei is said to have prayed for strength and victory.