本覚寺, Buddhist temple in Echizen Province, Japan
Hongakuji Temple is a Nichiren sect Buddhist temple located in Echizen Province with a main hall displaying wooden statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva from the Northern and Southern Courts era. The carved figures showcase the artistic style of this historical period and remain in good condition.
The temple was founded in 1436 when Master Nisshu converted a former Tendai sect Ebisu Hall into a Nichiren sect establishment. This transformation marked the site's shift to become a center of Nichiren Buddhist practice.
The temple remains an active Buddhist site where followers receive Nigiri-fuku talismans, small cloth charms distributed in different colors. Each color represents a different blessing, and visitors often leave with one as a spiritual keepsake.
The temple sits in a quiet area and is easily accessible on foot, with the surroundings straightforward to navigate. Visitors should wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes, especially if planning to explore the interior spaces.
The temple houses a portion of Nichiren's remains from Mount Minobu, and followers regard it as the Eastern Minobu. This rare possession gives the location special significance among Nichiren Buddhist practitioners.
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