『當麻寺』　国宝・重要文化財がテンコ盛り！

Taimadera Temple is packed with National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties! Taimadera Temple is said to have originated as Banpozoin, built in Kawachi Province in 612 by Emperor Yomei's third son, Prince Maroshi. It was later moved to its current location, associated with En no Gyoja, by Prince Maroshi's grandson, Prince Taima no Mahito Kunimi. The main hall, with Maitreya Buddha as its principal image, was built in 681, and since then, various buildings, including the lecture hall, Senjudo Hall (now Mandala Hall), and two east and west pagodas, as well as sub-temples such as the Chuin Hall (now Nakanobo), have been completed one after another. When it was first built, it was a temple of learning dedicated to the Sanron sect, but after Kukai retreated to the temple in 823 (Kōnin 14), it became a Shingon sect temple, transforming into an esoteric Buddhist temple that values ​​Buddhist practices such as rituals, contemplation, and prayer, centered around the Taima Mandala. This Taima Mandala spread nationwide along with the legend woven overnight by Princess Chujōhime, and the temple flourished as a sacred site of Pure Land Buddhism, welcoming many pilgrims. Due to this rise in Pure Land Buddhism, during the Nanboku-chō period, Chion-in Temple in Kyoto built Ojo-in (now Oku-in) on the grounds of Taimadera Temple, which later became an opportunity for the Jodo sect to enter the temple. As a result, the temple is now home to both Shingon and Jodo Buddhism. During the late Heian period, the temple was temporarily a branch temple of Kofuku-ji Temple, and in 1180 (Jisho 4), it became a target during the Taira clan's attack on Nara. The main hall was severely damaged and the lecture hall was burned down, but Minamoto no Yoritomo soon became the benefactor and the temple was rebuilt, preserving many precious temple treasures that have been passed down to the present day. The temple grounds are home to the Main Hall (Mandala Hall), East Pagoda, and West Pagoda, all designated National Treasures, the Main Hall and Lecture Hall, both designated Important Cultural Properties, as well as the Daishi Hall, Yakushi Hall, Niomon Gate, and bell tower, all arranged in a unique layout. Many precious cultural assets remain, including the seated Maitreya Buddha statue in the Main Hall (National Treasure) and the Four Heavenly Kings statues (Important Cultural Property). There are also 13 sub-temples, each of which has preserved many precious temple treasures, such as the Kurigaran Dragon Maki-e Sutra Box (National Treasure) and Nakanobo Garden (Scenic Spot and Historic Site). === From the Katsuragi City Website === Photo taken on: July 22, 2022 #TamaderaTemple #Temple #djipocket2