The sixty-second temple is Hōju-ji (宝寿寺), which enshrines an Eleven-Headed Kannon revered for safe childbirth.
It lies just about 1.4 km from the sixty-third temple, in the town of Saijō.
This is the entrance to Hōju-ji, a rare temple with no gate at all.
It steps straight up from the street, plain and unassuming.
This is the main hall, where the Eleven-Headed Kannon is enshrined.
I offered incense and recited the sutra before this Kannon, long prayed to for safe delivery.
Next is the Daishi-dō. A green construction barricade rather spoiled the atmosphere, but I prayed all the same for the safety of my family and for peace in the world.
Even amid the scaffolding, the quiet act of prayer held its own.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #27 Goshuin of Hōju-ji（宝寿寺） –
This is the goshuin of the sixty-second temple, Hōju-ji. Each stroke is thick and powerful, almost like a picture — very fine characters indeed.
Sixty-one temples still remained on my journey, the temples of Saijō set close together.
The distance to the next temple was about 1.3 km, barely a stroll away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Hōju-ji (Temple 62)?
The honzon (principal image) of Hōju-ji（宝寿寺）, Temple 62 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 Hōju-ji located?
Hōju-ji stands in Saijō, Ehime Prefecture, in the old province of Iyo, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the sixty-second 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 Hōju-ji belong to?
Hōju-ji belongs to the Kōyasan school of Shingon Buddhism. Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Tennōzan Kannon-in（天養山 観音院）.
When was Hōju-ji founded?
Hōju-ji was founded by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai); rebuilt in 1145. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Hōju-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 63, Kichijō-ji (about 1.4 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Hōju-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.