Exploration of Buddhism~Shitennoji Temple
#osakatravel
Shitennoji Temple ~ "A corner of the downtown area to wash away the dust of the heart, and a thousand years of time to temper the soul"
"Prince Shotoku": When talking about Shitennoji Temple, we cannot talk about Prince Shotoku, who is known as the "ancestor of Japanese Buddhism". Prince Shotoku built a total of seven temples in Japan, collectively known as the "Seven Temples Built by Prince Shotoku". .
Prince Shotoku was a member of the royal family of the Asuka period. Without the help of the prince, Buddhism would not have become so popular in Japan! !
📖History:
It was built in 593. Prince Shotoku was at a disadvantage when he fought against the "Abolish Buddhism Sect". He personally carved the "Four Heavenly Kings" statue to pray for the success of the fight. He also expressed his ambition to build a temple to represent the Four Heavenly Kings if the fight was successful. To worship, that’s why the current “Shitennoji” came into existence~
➡️The Four Heavenly Kings: refers to the Buddhist patron saints "Chi Guotian", "Zengguotian", "Guangmu Tian" and "Duowen Tian"
🔔"Seven incredible things":
~East Gate of Bliss~
The east gate is a "stone torii" building, but as a temple, how can you see a torii? ? This is actually related to the system of "separation policy of gods and Buddhas" that I have introduced too much. In the past, gods and Buddhas were not separated into different families, so don't feel strange when you see a torii gate in a temple ~ and the interesting thing is that the birds The plaque at the top reads "This is the place where Sakyamuni Tathagata preaches the Dharma, the east gate of bliss" ~
~Bang Bang Stone🪨~
It is located under the stone torii gate of the East Gate of Paradise. There is a square hole on the stone pillar of the torii gate. It is said that the voices of ancestors from other lives can be heard here🔊~ and there will be a banging sound (I didn't hear it) Here comes the voice of our ancestors)
~Cat Gate🐱~
Located above the Nio Gate, it is said that the sleeping cat of "Nikko Toshogu" and this cat 🐈 will call each other on New Year's Day and New Year's Eve, and this cat's job is mainly responsible for patrolling the temple and checking whether the scriptures have been bitten by mice 🐁 Damn, I have a job! I'm not just trying to be cute to take photos with you! !
~Dragon Well🐲~
I heard that this well is connected to the "heatless pool" in India (too far!?) There is a "green dragon🐉" in the well to protect the safety of the temple.
~The ghost tiles of the five-story pagoda~
It is said that no matter which angle you look up, you can see faces, including "Bishamonten", "Benzaiten" and "Dahkokuten", which shows the exquisite craftsmanship!
~North Bell Hall~
It is said that the sound of this bell 🔔 belongs to the "yellow bell tune". This kind of bell can be transmitted all the way to the other world, and can make the ancestors of the Pure Land feel calm after listening to it ~
~Long-shaped sarcophagus lid~
This stone is made from a sarcophagus lid from the "Kofun Period". It used to be a stone bridge. I heard that as long as you walk across the stone bridge, you can have a smooth delivery!
✨Important highlights:
~Lecture Hall~
The place where monks read scriptures and preach sermons is divided into "Summer Hall" and "East Hall". It is said that Prince Shotoku once used this place. The murals in the hall are even more interesting!
~Jintang~
The place where the main statue of Shitennoji Temple is placed. The exterior of the building is vermilion. Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos here as a souvenir!
~Five-story pagoda~
It is the spiritual symbol of Shitennoji Temple. At that time, Prince Shotoku vowed to save the six realms (hell, hungry ghosts, animals, asuras, humans, and heaven), so he placed six Buddha relics and six hairs of his own hair in the pagoda. It is the "Six Paths Relief Tower", and you can see the entire Osaka city view from the top floor~
~Zhongmen~
Located at the southern end of "Central Garan", the two ends of the central gate are equipped with the guardian saint "Vajra Rikishi" statues, also known as "Niohmon"
~Xichongmen~
It is the entrance to "Central Garan". The exterior is white and vermilion, which makes it a good photo spot~
~The Garden of Pure Land of Utmost Bliss~
It is a "pond circulation garden" with two streams and two ponds, both of which are naturally formed. You can also enjoy cherry blossoms🌸 and maple leaves🍁 here! The scenery in all four seasons is beautiful~
~Treasure Hall~
There are more than 500 national treasures on display, which are very important cultural assets. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are also various planned exhibitions and special exhibitions. Why not stop and take a look?
~Six o'clock Praise Hall~
Designated as an important cultural property, it got its name because the Dharma rituals 🧎➡️ and the six o'clock praising rituals are performed here 6 times a day. It is also a place for laying bones~
~Stone Torii Gate🪨~
They are the East Gate and West Gate of Paradise mentioned in the previous seven incredible things. It is not easy to see the "Stone Torii Gate" in Japan, so be sure to take a photo to commemorate it!
📍Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City
🚴Transportation:
Subway Tanimachi Line "Shitennoji-mae" South Exit
💰Per capita consumption:
The temple is free🆓
Center Garan: 300 yen
Garden: 300 yen
Treasure Museum: 500 yen
🕰️Business hours:
The temple is open all day
Central Garland, Garden and Halls 08:30-16:30 (April-September)
Central Garland, Garden and Halls 08:30-16:00 (October-March of the following year)
💞Recommended reasons:
It is the oldest temple with garland architecture in Japan. It is a good place to visit for those who have Buddhist or related beliefs, and the temple spares no effort in community support and care! ! It’s very suitable to come here for a walk in your spare time~
🗓️Itinerary:
Shitennoji-Tennoji Park-Abeno Observation Deck
#100 Ways to Travel
#Shitennoji Temple
#shotoku太子
#centerjalan
#Japan’s oldest garland building