Jūraku-ji, Buddhist temple in Awa, Japan.
Jūraku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tokushima Prefecture and serves as the seventh stop on a pilgrimage route across Japan. The main hall houses a statue of Amida Nyorai, and the grounds include religious buildings and garden areas used for worship and visitor reflection.
The temple was founded by monk Kōbō Daishi in 806 and ranks among the older Buddhist sites in the region. Multiple fires in the 16th century damaged the original structure, leading to reconstructions and the eventual relocation of the temple from its first location.
The temple name translates to Temple of Ten Joys and houses a prominent statue of Jizō bosatsu, traditionally associated with healing eye conditions and other ailments in local devotion. Visitors can observe this statue today and sense its role in the daily faith of worshippers.
Visitors can stay overnight at the temple for an immersive religious experience that includes morning ceremonies. The grounds are walkable, and comfortable shoes are advisable along with allowing sufficient time to explore the site at a leisurely pace.
An ancient tree with spiritual significance grows near the temple grounds and marks the original foundation site from the early 800s. This tree serves as a focal point of reverence for many visitors to the site.
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