Konpon Chūdō, Main Buddhist hall at Mount Hiei, Japan
Konpon Chūdō is the principal Buddhist hall of this complex on Mount Hiei in Japan. The structure contains three distinct sections: an outer sanctuary, a middle sanctuary, and an inner sanctuary positioned about 3 meters (10 feet) below ground level.
The site was founded in 788 by the monk Saicho, but the current wooden building dates from 1642 when Tokugawa Iemitsu ordered its reconstruction after several destructions. This rebuilding enabled the complex to survive and remain intact to the present day.
The central altar holds a sacred medicine Buddha statue carved by Saicho himself, which remains the spiritual center of the Tendai Buddhist sect. This figure represents the healing power that the Buddhist tradition has embodied at this site for centuries.
The building undergoes major renovation work until 2025, though visitors can still enter and observe the architectural features during construction. It helps to check ahead about the progress of work to make the most of your visit.
An eternal flame lit by Saicho in the 8th century continues burning within the hall without interruption. This flame, which has been burning for over 1200 years, is a remarkable reminder of the unbroken spiritual continuity at this site.
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