ANICCASIGHT: The Birth Place of Japan Buddhism In Heian Era

Temple Jingo-ji established in year 824, is an important temple in the history of Japanese Buddhism. It was the merger of two private temples, Jingan-ji and Takaosan-ji, founded earlier by a high ranking statesman of Nara period named Wake No Kiyomaro. Most of the original temple buildings after destroyed during the turbulent times of Onin War (1467-77) were gradually declined till 16th century. The restorations were done in year 1623 and 1934 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa family.

The temple was set back deeply on a mountain side with several major buildings nested within the thickly forested valley.

Jingo-ji was considered a birth place of Buddhism in Heian era (794-1185). The founder, Wake No Kiyomaro invited both The Founder of Shingon Sect Buddhism, Master Kukai (774-835) and founder of Tendai Sect Master Saicho (767-822), to guide and set a base foundation of Buddhist teachings and practices in the temple.

Master Kukai, before established the Kongobuji Temple in Mt Koya, was assigned as the first head priest and had lived here for a period of time. Master Saicho was invited to conduct and lecture Buddhist teachings here.

Its magnificent foliage attracts many people to come in each fall season.

It is one of the hot spots in Kyoto to enjoy the red leaves in autumn.

Kondo that was restored in year 1934 is the main shrine hall. The main divinity enshrined is a medicine Buddha Yakushi Nyorai. It is a national treasure to Japan.

There are 16 national treasures held in the temple of Jingoji. Besides the Medicine Buddha Honzon in the main shrine and other images and statues, it also covers the calligraphy of Master Kukai (774-835) and his written name list of Abhiseka that contains people's name and deities who underwent the initiates ritual at Temple Takaosan-ji, presided by him.

Plastic buckets were found placing under the tiny holes to receive water flowing out from the stone walls near the main shrine. I heard that there was a special ceremonial well built underground at site. Was this the one?

Looking down from the flight of steps at Kondo Main Shrine Hall, are the buildings of Godai-do Hall and Bishamaon-do Hall, closely stand to each other. Both buildings were restored in year 1632.

Standing high, look far, this is one of the best spot to capture a spectacular view of temple grounds.

Flight of stone steps approaching to Kondo Main Shrine Hall are steep and narrow but adorned on both sides are the attractive maple trees.

Halls of Godai-do and Bishamon-do.

The shrine of Godai-do enshrines with Japanese common protective deity Fudo-myoo and some other wrathful deities.

The traditional structures were mostly simple and spacious.

Daishi-do is the only structure survived from Onin War but when did this building began to exist, no body knows. Anyway, enshrined inside was an image of a great master, whom I think must have great relationship with the temple. I went in and bowed to him to show my respect.