Jan 18, 2014 - 1 min read

Kan-onji

Temple #16 of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage

By C. Rio

Community writer

1 of 7

Main Hall

Two story Sanmon (Main Gate)

Purification fountain

Blue skies

Bussokuseki (Stone with the footprint of Buddha engraved within)

Carving detail

Small figure on roof to protect from fire

Temple sixteen in the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage is also known as the Avalokitesvara Temple. On the temple grounds there is a picture of a 19th century woman on fire. Legend states that the woman caught fire while trying to dry her wet pilgrim hakui (coat) over a fire. She realized that she was being punished for the sins of her youth, including beating her mother-in-law with burning sticks. The woman donated the painting to the temple in hope that this would help to keep others from repeating her mistakes. To get there, catch a JR Kotoku line train from Tokushima station and get off at the Kou station. From there it is about a 20 minute walk.