The seventy-ninth temple is Tennō-ji (天皇寺), which enshrines an Eleven-Headed Kannon and is tied to the memory of Emperor Sutoku.
It lies about 6.6 km from the eightieth temple, in the city of Sakaide.
At the entrance to Tennō-ji stands a Shinto shrine torii rather than a traditional temple gate. The grounds look spacious, though there is not a great deal to see.
That blending of shrine and temple gives the place an unusual first impression.
This is the main hall, where the Eleven-Headed Kannon is enshrined. I happened upon a group of fellow pilgrims here.
The image is also revered in connection with Emperor Sutoku, who ended his days in exile in this province.
Next is the Daishi-dō, where I recited the Heart Sutra, praying for the safety of my family and for peace in the world.
To pray at a temple bound up with so sorrowful a piece of history gave the moment a quiet weight.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #10 Goshuin of Tennō-ji（天皇寺） –
This is the goshuin of the seventy-ninth temple, Tennō-ji. The calligraphy looks almost like a picture — truly artistic.
Seventy-eight temples still remained on my journey, the sorrowful tale of Emperor Sutoku lingering in my thoughts.
The distance to the next temple was about 6.5 km, a steady walk across Sakaide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Tennō-ji (Temple 79)?
The honzon (principal image) of Tennō-ji（天皇寺）, Temple 79 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Jūichimen Kanzeon Bosatsu（十一面観世音菩薩）. It is enshrined in the temple's main hall (hondō), where pilgrims offer incense, recite the Heart Sutra, and receive the temple's goshuin (hand-brushed seal).
Where is Tennō-ji located?
Tennō-ji stands in Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, in the old province of Sanuki, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the seventy-ninth of the eighty-eight temples of the Shikoku Henro, the circular Buddhist pilgrimage walked in the path of Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai).
Which Buddhist sect does Tennō-ji belong to?
Tennō-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Omuro school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Kinkazan Kōshō-in（金華山 高照院）.
When was Tennō-ji founded?
Tennō-ji was restored by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai); later a memorial temple for Emperor Sutoku. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Tennō-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 80, Sanuki Kokubun-ji (about 6.6 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Tennō-ji to keep visiting each of the 88 temples and collecting their goshuin.
📖 See the full list of all 88 Shikoku temples →
Can’t make the pilgrimage yourself?Ohenro Gift can walk the 88 temples on your behalf (daisan) and deliver the completed nokyocho.