The seventy-seventh temple is Dōryū-ji (道隆寺), which enshrines Yakushi Nyorai and is revered for the healing of the eyes.
It lies about 7.2 km from the seventy-eighth temple, in the town of Tadotsu.
The entrance to Dōryū-ji impresses at once, with a large gate of real presence and big Kongō Rikishi guardians on either side.
It makes a dignified welcome to this storied temple.
This is the main hall, where Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined. A Buddhist flag stands out against the great dark building.
By legend the temple began when its founder, in grief, carved a Buddha from a mulberry tree.
This is the Daishi-dō, with a quiet presence and a serene air flowing through it.
I recited the sutra in that calm before moving on.
A statue here depicts Kōbō Daishi during his pilgrim’s training, and ranks of stone figures stretching back in layers are also worth seeing.
The rows of weathered statues give the grounds a deep, devotional feel.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #12 Goshuin of Dōryū-ji（道隆寺） –
This is the goshuin of the seventy-seventh temple, Dōryū-ji. The brushwork flows gracefully, catching the finest detail.
Seventy-six temples still remained on my journey, the eye-healing Yakushi at my back.
The distance to the next temple was about 3.9 km, a steady walk toward the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Dōryū-ji (Temple 77)?
The honzon (principal image) of Dōryū-ji（道隆寺）, Temple 77 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Yakushi Nyorai（薬師如来）. 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 Dōryū-ji located?
Dōryū-ji stands in Tadotsu, Kagawa Prefecture, in the old province of Sanuki, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the seventy-seventh 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 Dōryū-ji belong to?
Dōryū-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Daigo school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Sotazan Myōō-in（桑多山 明王院）.
When was Dōryū-ji founded?
Dōryū-ji was founded in 712 by Wake Michitaka. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Dōryū-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 78, Gōshō-ji (about 7.2 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Dōryū-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.