Enmei-ji, Buddhist temple of Shikoku Pilgrimage in Imabari, Japan.
Enmei-ji is a Buddhist temple in Imabari, on the island of Shikoku, and serves as the 54th station along the famous 88-temple pilgrimage route. The grounds include two separate bell towers, one within the temple compound and another near the parking area.
The temple was founded in the 8th century and received its current name during the Meiji period, when it was renamed to avoid confusion with the nearby temple number 53. Since then, it has remained a steady part of the pilgrimage tradition across the island.
The main hall holds a Buddha statue surrounded by small figures of praying infants, connecting the site to prayers for fertility and the protection of new life. Visitors can enter this space and see the offerings left by worshippers over the years.
The temple is reachable by local bus from Imabari and welcomes both full pilgrims and casual visitors. Those arriving by car will find a parking area near one of the two bell towers on the grounds.
A gray roof tile above the entrance porch shows a flaming turnip, used here as a symbol for the halo and the burning spirit of dharma. This motif appears on very few other temples along the full pilgrimage route.
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