Main Hall (Hondo) 勝興寺/本堂
Official explanation
The current Main Hall was built in 1795. It is dedicated to Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, and modeled after the Amidado Hall of Nishi Honganji Temple in Kyoto. Its size reflects the widespread influence of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism during the Edo period (1603–1867) and the importance of Shokoji as the main Jodo Shinshu temple east of Kyoto.
The hall covers about 1,450 square meters and is supported by 122 pillars, each about 9 meters high. The thickest pillar has a diameter of 54 centimeters. The pillars are made of more durable woods, such as zelkova, cedar, and cypress, except for one made of cherrywood. Since cherrywood deteriorates faster than the other woods, this pillar was likely installed as a kind of barometer to indicate the structural health of the hall and signal when repairs might be needed.
Read the full explanation
The inner sanctum of the hall represents the Western Pure Land, the paradisial realm of Amida Buddha. It is lavishly decorated with gilded walls and pillars, carved transoms, and painted ceiling panels. Worshippers pray facing west toward a gilded statue of Amida Buddha in the hope of being reborn in the Western Pure Land. The Main Hall is designated a National Treasure.
The current Main Hall was built in 1795 and is dedicated to Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. The hall’s grand size reflects the influence of the Jodo Shinshu, or True Pure Land, school of Buddhism during the Edo period (1603–1867) and the historical importance of Shokoji as the main Jodo Shinshu temple east of Kyoto.
The hall covers an area of approximately 1,450 square meters and is supported by 122 pillars, each around 9 meters tall. The inner sanctum represents the Western Pure Land, the paradisial realm of Amida Buddha. It is lavishly decorated with gilded walls and pillars, carved transoms, and painted ceiling panels. Worshippers pray facing west toward a gilded statue of Amida Buddha in the hope of being reborn in the Western Pure Land. The Main Hall is designated a National Treasure.
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.
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