Horyu-ji

Sai-in (Western Precinct)::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
Sai-in (Western Precinct)
Goju-no-To (Five-story Pagoda) #1::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
Goju-no-To (Five-story Pagoda) #1
To-in (Eastern Precinct) #2::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
To-in (Eastern Precinct) #2

Horyu-ji (“Temple of the Flouring Law [of Buddhism]”), the most celebrated temple in Japan, was dedicated to Yakushi, Buddha of Healing. Prince Shotoku, the great founder of Buddhism in Japan, founded it in 607. Four of the buildings from the complex have survived for over 1,300 years and are the oldest wooden structures in the world: the Main Hall (Kondo), five-story Pagoda (Goju-no-To), Central Gate (Chumon) and Cloister Gallery (Kairo). In fact, Horyu-ji contains more than 2,000 important treasures. This temple is regarded as birthplace of Buddhism in Japan.

Matsu (Sculpted Pine Tree)::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
Matsu (Sculpted Pine Tree)
Goju-no-To (Five-story Pagoda) #2::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
Goju-no-To (Five-story Pagoda) #2
Daihozoden (Treasure Hall)::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
Daihozoden (Treasure Hall)
Kondo (Main Hall)::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
Kondo (Main Hall)

The font is usually located at the entrance to the temple. It is important for followers of Buddha to rinse hands and mouth before entering the sacred precinct. They cleanse themselves this way.

To-in (Eastern Precinct) #1::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
To-in (Eastern Precinct) #1
The Font::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
The Font
To-in (Eastern Precinct) #3::Horyu-ji in Nara, Japan::
To-in (Eastern Precinct) #3

© 2001 Maciej Swulinski