無量寿院, Buddhist temple in the heart of Takamatsu, Japan
Muryojuin is a Shingon Omuro school temple in Gobou-cho, Takamatsu, with the mountain name Shizan. It is a branch temple of Ninna-ji in Kyoto and once had six branch temples of its own, including nearby Tamon-ji and Saifuku-ji. The temple has moved site several times and was rebuilt after burning in the 1945 Takamatsu air raid.
Founded in 739 by the monk Gyoki at the foot of Muroyama in Sakata-go, the temple was later repaired by Kukai and became one of the seven debate halls, favored by Emperor Shirakawa and Emperor Kameyama. Burned in the Tenbun era (1532–1555), it moved to Yawara-jima, then three more times: to Hamano-cho in 1588, to Tenjin-mae in 1656, and to its present Gobou-cho site in 1677. It was destroyed again in the Takamatsu air raid of July 4, 1945.
Muryojuin belongs to the Shingon Omuro school and is a branch temple of Ninna-ji in Kyoto; it once had six subtemples, including nearby Tamon-ji and Saifuku-ji. Its name, 'Temple of Immeasurable Life,' refers to Amitabha, and the mountain name is Shizan. The temple was one of the seven discussion halls where monks debated doctrine.
The temple is easily accessible on foot from Kataharamachi, Kawaramachi, or Imabashi stations, all within short walking distance. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering certain indoor areas and wear respectful clothing out of consideration.
Archaeological digs between 2002 and 2003 uncovered remains of an earlier settlement and roof tiles inscribed with 'Nohara Hama Mura Muryojuin'. These discoveries reveal the deep historical layers beneath the current structure.
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