The forty-fourth temple is Daihō-ji (大宝寺), set high in the Kumakōgen highlands and enshrining an Eleven-Headed Kannon.
It lies about 8.4 km from the forty-fifth temple, and is known as the “Middle Temple,” the rough midpoint of the pilgrimage.
This temple has no gate; a flight of stairs serves as the entrance, and even from the bottom the view up to the main hall is wonderful.
The tall cedars all around give the climb a hushed, cathedral-like feeling.
This is the main hall, where the Eleven-Headed Kannon is enshrined.
To reach the midpoint of the journey here, deep in the mountains, felt quietly significant.
Next I recited the Heart Sutra at the Daishi-dō, praying for the safety of my family, for peace in the world, and — with a smile — for a good lunch ahead.
After a long mountain walk, such small honest wishes feel entirely natural.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #45 Goshuin of Daihō-ji（大宝寺） –
This is the goshuin of the forty-fourth temple, Daihō-ji. It looks almost like a mark, yet it is very beautiful.
Forty-three temples still remained on my journey, here at the “Middle Temple” high in the Kumakōgen highlands.
The distance to the next temple was about 61.9 km — a long mountain road lay ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Daihō-ji (Temple 44)?
The honzon (principal image) of Daihō-ji（大宝寺）, Temple 44 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 Daihō-ji located?
Daihō-ji stands in Kumakōgen, Ehime Prefecture, in the old province of Iyo, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the forty-fourth 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 Daihō-ji belong to?
Daihō-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Buzan school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Sugōzan Daikaku-in（菅生山 大覚院）.
When was Daihō-ji founded?
Daihō-ji was founded by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), early 9th century. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Daihō-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 45, Iwaya-ji (about 8.4 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Daihō-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.