Kōryū-ji explained

is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names [1] and, and was formerly known as, and .

Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku. Fires in 818 and 1150 destroyed the entire temple complex, but it was rebuilt several times since.[2]

Wooden statue of Bodhisattva

The temple contains a number of important pieces of cultural heritage. One of national treasures in Japan (registered on June 9, 1951), a wooden image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya sitting contemplatively in the half-lotus position, called is amongst the rare objects that are preserved and displayed at Kōryū-ji.[2]

The temple is also renowned for its, traditionally held in mid-October, but currently suspended.[3]

See also

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1956). Kyoto: The Old Capital of Japan, p. 110.
  2. http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=406&pID=1345 Japan Tourist Info.
  3. http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/history/traditionalevents/a59_fes_kurama.html JNTO