Komyodo, Former Main Hall 光明堂、旧本堂

Official explanation

Built in 1701, this was the main hall of Shinshoji Temple before it was replaced by the Shakado. An important example of mid-Edo period architecture, this structure is listed as an Important Cultural Property. The three Buddhas enshrined here are, in the center, Dainichi Nyorai, the supreme deity of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, flanked on either side by the fierce Fudo Myoo and Aizen Myoo, whose name means “stained by love.”

Built in 1701, this was the main hall of Shinshoji Temple before it was replaced by the Shakado. An important example of mid-Edo period architecture, this structure is listed as an Important Cultural Property. The three Buddhas enshrined here are, in the center, Dainichi Nyorai, the supreme deity of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, flanked on either side by the fierce Fudo Myoo and Aizen Myoo, whose name means “stained by love.” While the faithful pray to all three, the six-armed red Aizen Myoo, in particular, has many devotees, as this Buddha is thought to assist in matters of the heart. Worshippers often light a candle before him and pray for luck in love.

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The Komyodo is a fine example of the Genroku period (1688–1704), a luxurious culture often said to mark the high point of Edo period (1603–1867). The building has a hip-and-gable roof, with traces of red lacquer still visible on the roof tiles. Previously there was a veranda around the hall, but this was removed when the hall was moved to its current location.

Behind the hall is the Okunoin cave where a very wise Buddha is enshrined. This cave is opened every year during the beginning of July for the Gion Festival.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.