Stormlizard

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Posted: 18 Mar 2016


Taken: 30 Oct 2009

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Shinshoji Temple Great Main Hall on Naritasan O30-01

Shinshoji Temple Great Main Hall on Naritasan O30-01
Narita-san "Narita mountain") Shinshō-ji "New victory temple") is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in central Narita, Chiba, Japan It was founded in 940 by Kanchō Daisōjō, a disciple of Kōbō Daishi. It is a lead temple in the Chisan branch (Chisan-ha) of New Shingon (Shingi Shingon includes a large complex of buildings and grounds, and is one of the best-known temples in the Kantō region. It is dedicated to Ācala (Japanese: Fudō myōō ("Unmovable Wisdom King")) who is usually depicted holding a sword and rope and surrounded by flames. Often called a fire god, he is associated with fire rituals.
The temple was established in 940 to commemorate the victory of the forces dispatched from the Heian capital to suppress a revolt by the powerful Kantō region samurai, Taira no Masakado. The Shingon priest Kanchō accompanied the force, bringing with him an image of Acala from the Gomadō (Fire Offering Hall) of Takao-san Jingo-ji in Kyōtō. Shingon founder Kōbō Daishi himself was said to have carved the image and used it in Goma sacred fire rituals that helped stop a rebellion during his era. The rebellion in 940 also came to an end just as Kanchō completed a three-week Goma ritual with the same image.
According to legend, the image of Acala became too heavy after the victory to move back to its home base, so a new temple on Narita-san, named Shinsho-ji (New Victory Temple), was built to enshrine it on the spot. The temple maintains that the original image is enshrined in the Main Hall, where it is displayed on special occasions, but art historians date the current image to no earlier than the 13th century.
Photographed on 10 30 2009 using;
Canon EOS 400D SLR Digital Camera Full Auto.

Gudrun, RHH, and 2 other people have particularly liked this photo


7 comments - The latest ones
 Stormlizard
Stormlizard club
Thank you very much John.
8 years ago.
 Stormlizard
Stormlizard club
@ Alan Rust,
Thank you.
8 years ago.
 Stormlizard
Stormlizard club
@ Ausblue,
Thanks Pam.
8 years ago.
 RHH
RHH
Beautiful building and great information, John.
8 years ago.
Stormlizard club has replied to RHH
Thank you very much Ron, yes it was the last place I visited in my last Japan tour, the day that I got hoplessly lost by going the wrong way when leaving.
8 years ago.
 Gudrun
Gudrun club
A beautiful and historic temple- thanks for the info!
8 years ago.
Stormlizard club has replied to Gudrun club
Yes it is Gudrun-
Thank you for your comment.
8 years ago.

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