妙楽寺, Buddhist temple in Obama, Japan
Myoraku-ji is a Buddhist temple in the city of Obama that houses an important religious sculpture from the Heian period. The main hall features a hipped roof with cypress bark shingles and sits within a compound that includes several other structures.
The temple was founded in 719 and received attention from an influential Buddhist teacher around 797 who contributed to its development. These early connections established the site's religious importance that continued for centuries.
The Thousand-Armed Kannon statue has been an object of devotion for centuries and remains central to the temple's spiritual role in the community. Visitors can observe how the statue is housed and honored within the sacred space.
The temple is easy to visit on foot and offers adequate parking for vehicles including larger tour buses. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since exploring the grounds and interior areas involves some walking.
The temple's principal work was once intentionally hidden away, which protected its original surface with paint and gilded details from damage. This practice of concealment is unusual today and left the artwork as a rare example of ancient craftsmanship.
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