21‏/01‏/2014

Tanemaji

Temple #34 of the Ohenro 88 temple pilgrimage

By C. Rio

Community writer

Ladles from women who have had succsessful childbirths

Temple thirty four in the Shikoku Ohenro pilgrimage is also known as the Sowing Seeds Temple. Legend has it that, on his return from China, Kobo Daishi planted (maku) five varieties of seeds (tane) at this temple. Thus the name TaneMa(ku)ji. The temple is a popular place for pregnant women to pray for an easy childbirth. When a woman first finds out that she is pregnant, she takes a whole ladle to the temple priest. He knocks out the bottom, places it on the altar, and prays over it over the course of two days and then the woman takes it home. After a safe delivery, the woman brings the ladle back to the temple in thanks. To get there, catch a Takaoka-eigyosho bound bus from Sakai-Machi bus terminal and get off at the Negtani-guchi bus stop. From there it’s about a 30 minute walk.