Mandara-ji, Buddhist temple in Zentsūji, Japan
Mandara-ji is a Buddhist temple in Zentsuji with traditional wooden buildings featuring classic Japanese design, along with a bell tower and sacred pond spread across its grounds. The layout includes spaces for prayer and worship arranged in the style typical of Shingon school temples.
The temple was founded in the 8th century by the monk Kobo Daishi and played a key role in spreading Shingon Buddhism across the region. The establishment by this influential monk shaped the spiritual development of the area for centuries to come.
The temple draws pilgrims from across the region who come to practice traditional Buddhist rituals and participate in ceremonies held throughout the year. These ongoing activities shape the spiritual life of the place and connect it to the faith of those who visit.
The temple is easily accessible on foot from the town center and features well-marked paths connecting its various buildings and spaces. Visitors can move through the grounds at their own pace to see all the main areas.
As Station 72 on the Shikoku pilgrimage route of 88 temples, this location draws pilgrims walking the entire circuit in search of spiritual growth. Its devotion to Vairocana, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, sets it apart from many other temples along the path.
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