The forty-second temple is Butsumoku-ji (佛木寺), which enshrines Dainichi Nyorai and is long revered as a protector of livestock and animals.
It stands about 10.6 km from the forty-third temple, in the hills near Uwajima.
This is the entrance to Butsumoku-ji. The gate is so large it makes you think of a Japanese castle, and you can see how fine it is even from a distance.
It is an imposing first impression for so peaceful a temple.
The main hall is smaller than that great gate. Here Dainichi Nyorai is enshrined, and amid the many other worshippers I cleared my mind and chanted the sutra.
The image is said to have been carved by Kōbō Daishi from a camphor tree, with a jewel set in its brow.
Next I recited the Heart Sutra at the Daishi-dō, praying for peace in the world and for the happiness of all.
The temple’s thatched-roof bell tower nearby is a rare and charming sight.
NFT – Crypto Ohenro #47 Goshuin of Butsumoku-ji（佛木寺） –
This is the goshuin of the forty-second temple, Butsumoku-ji. With its bold characters it looks almost like a picture.
Forty-one temples still remained on my journey, the hills of Uwajima quiet around me.
The distance to the next temple was about 2.6 km, a short and welcome walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the honzon (principal image) of Butsumoku-ji (Temple 42)?
The honzon (principal image) of Butsumoku-ji（佛木寺）, Temple 42 of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage, is Dainichi Nyorai（大日如来）. 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 Butsumoku-ji located?
Butsumoku-ji stands in Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture, in the old province of Iyo, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. It is the forty-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 Butsumoku-ji belong to?
Butsumoku-ji belongs to the Shingon Buddhism (Omuro school). Its mountain name (sangō), the traditional honorific title by which the temple is also known, is Ikkazan Birushana-in（一カ山 毘盧舎那院）.
When was Butsumoku-ji founded?
Butsumoku-ji was founded by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) in 807. Its history is closely tied to the early growth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Which temple comes after Butsumoku-ji, and how far is it?
The next temple on the route is Temple 43, Meiseki-ji (about 10.6 km). Walking in numerical order, pilgrims continue from Butsumoku-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.