Tennei-ji, Buddhist temple in Monzen-cho, Japan
Tennei-ji is a Buddhist temple in Monzen-cho featuring a large collection of Buddha statues, including around 500 rakan figures arranged on stepped shelves along the walls. The complex also houses a tall Buddha statue positioned on an elevated platform with supporting sculptural elements.
The temple was established in the 1500s by Oda Nobuyuki, a regional lord, showing the religious importance of the area during that era. It relocated to its current location around 1712, where it has remained since.
The temple is known for its large wooden drum crafted from a hundred-year-old camphor tree and a special statue created by monk Eshin Sozu. These works show the artistic dedication that shaped the place over time.
The temple is located in the Chikusa district and is open to visitors on most days, with hours varying by season. You will find the interior layout straightforward to navigate, though it helps to allow time to view the many statues and sculptures throughout the grounds.
The main Buddha statue differs from traditional depictions by resting not on a lotus flower but on a platform supported by sculptural elephants. This unusual design reflects a creative approach to a standard religious symbol.
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