Slow Walk Illustrated Guide
Zentsu-ji Tanjo-in Birthplace Complex (West Temple)
mieidookuden
Commentary
This is the Mieido Okuden; it is a registered tangible cultural property. The Okuden is located in the deepest part of the Mieido Image hall. Enshrined inside the miniature shrine within the Mieido Okuden is the Mehiki Daishi-zo which is usually kept hidden from the public. When Kobo Daishi (Kukai) was studying abroad in Tang China, he made himself appear as a reflection on the pond’s surface to comfort his lonely mother who was worried about him. The Mehiki Daishi-zo is the self image he created and gave to his mother. The Mieido Okuden is said to be where the room of Kobo Daishi’s mother Gozen Tamayori was located, making it a truly sacred place for devotees of Kobo Daishi.
Designated Section
Registered tangible cultural property
Structure
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Era
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Address
3-3-1 Zentsuji-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture
