Shikoku Pilgrimage, Temples 41, 42

A-gyō and Un-gyō, the guardians of Shingon temples 

In every temple gate of the Shingon sect, a pair of wrath-filled muscular guardians, called Kongō-rikishi, are standing at the entrance to ward off evil and protect the temple grounds.  The statue on the right with an open mouth is called A-gyō, representing the vocalization of “a”. The left statue, called Un-gyō, has a closed mouth and represents the sound “hum.” Both symbolize birth and death, similar to Alpha and Omega in Christianity and signify “all creation”.

A-gyō

Un-gyō, symbolising latent strength and power

The Niōmon or entrance gate to Butsumokuji, temple 42.  The statue of Kōbō Daishi welcoming every ohenro stands in the background. The statues of A-gyō and Un-gyō, two wrath-filled muscular guardians, are placed left and right behind the wooden fence of the entrance gate. They are a manifestation of the Bodhisvattva Vajrapāni and, according to Japanese tradition, travelled with Gautama Buddha to protect him.

Bell tower with straw thached roof

The main hall of Butsumokuji, with the statue of Kannon Bosatsu in the foreground.  The temple is also called the temple of Buddha’s tree. Today, many people come to cure illness and pray for dead pets.

Offerings as a thanks for the cure

16^thcentury castle on the hill of Uwajima City

Uwajima City is known for bullfights. Different to the bullfights in Spain, there is no Matador involved. Two bulls fight against each other.

Fallen blossoms of Magnolia trees swept up by a lady in Uwajima City.  The pedestrian walkways in Japanese Cities are kept incredible clean.

House in the countryside

When I walked through the area, spring was popping up everywhere.

Nature sometimes takes over a house.

My most favorite part of walking was through cedar forests. The bark of an old Cedar tree is always soft and silky. Often, the bark is covered by moss.

At the end of the day, I had a nice dinner with pilgrim friends in the minshuku Miyako. Two of us wear a yukata.