About Byodoji

Tradition says Kobo Daishi Kukai practiced here, perceived the form of Yakushi Nyorai, and enshrined that image as the temple's principal Buddha. The temple name Byodoji is tied to the vow to relieve suffering equally.

Today Byodoji welcomes pilgrims from Japan and abroad as the twenty-second stop on the Shikoku pilgrimage, while also serving local parishioners and the everyday rhythm of prayer in Aratano.

Yakushi Nyorai is especially revered here for prayers for healing, protection from illness, and strength in the legs and lower body. The sacred spring linked to Kobo Daishi still flows in the precincts.

The principal image, Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), is widely known for prayers to protect against cancer, heal illness, and keep the legs and lower back strong. It is enshrined at the center of the main hall, surrounded by the Twelve Divine Generals.

A five-colored cord runs from the principal image’s hand down to the temple gate. Visitors who cannot climb the stone steps can take the cord and join their hands at the gate; this is the same act of prayer (kechien, a karmic bond) as climbing to the main hall.

People come here for many reasons: while walking the Shikoku route, to pray for healing and protection, to deepen a parish connection, or simply to sit quietly before the principal image.

In recent years the temple has also made prayer available online through live streaming and remote applications, so that distance, illness, or daily circumstances do not cut people off from worship.

Even with more than twelve centuries of history behind it, Byodoji keeps trying to respond to the person who is praying now. These guide pages are meant to be an easy doorway into that encounter.