目次 Origin of MiideraMiidera is located at the foot of Mt. Hiei by the western shore of Biwa Lake of Otsu city in Shiga. The official name of Miidera is ”Nagarasan Onjoji”, and it is the Head temple of Tendaimon Sect, the 14th temple of pilgrimage of the 33rd Kannon Sacred Sites. Emperor Tenchi, who erected Otsu capital had planned to establish a temple at this location making the ”Miroku bosatsu” statue he always carried around for prayers as the principal statue of worship. However, he passed away without fulfilling his dream, so his son, Ohtomo no miko (Emperor Kobun) tried to fulfill his father’s dream. He too passed during the Jinshin War, along with the perishing of the Otsu capital itself. |
”Phoenix Temple” always RevivesAfter the passing of Holy priest Chishoudaishienchin, who had established the foundation of Miidera as a teaching and training ”dojo” for Buddhism, collision between Mt. Hiei (Sanmon) and Miidera (Jimon) intensified. |
Important Cultural Asset and the GardenAlthough Miidera was confronted with religious persecution many times, it owns large numbers of cultural assets. It amounts to 10 categories (64 items) of National Treasures, and 42 categories (720 items) of Important Cultural Assets, ranging from architecture, paintings, calligraphy, historical documents, etc. |