Shikoku 88 Temple 9 Horinji

Temple number 9 of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage is named Horinji and is located in Awa City. The name means Dharma Wheel Temple though it is sometimes known as Hakudasan, White Snake Mountain, after the story that Kukai heard about a white snake that lived nearby and protected buddhists.

The temple was located further up in the valley but was burnt down by Chosakabe in the 16th Century and rebuilt in its current location.

The main deity is Shaka Nyorai, the historical Buddha, and the carving, attributed to Kukai, is unusual in that it is a reclining Buddha, uncommon in Japan, and the only one in the 88 temples.

It is a Shingon temple and locally renowned for healing problems with feet and the waist.