SANJU-SANGEN-DO
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National Treasure SANJU-SANGEN-DO
The Thousand Images of Kannon The principle images of Sanju-sangen-do temple are the 1001 statues of the Buddhist deity, Juichimen-senju-sengen Kanzeon, which is often called by the simplified name, "Kannon". One thousand standing status of Kannon ( Important Cultural Properties ) and one gigantic seated statue ( National Treasure ), placed at the center of the standing statues, 124 were made in the 12th century when this temple was founded, and the remaining 876 were made in the 13th century when the temple was renovated. Statues of Thunder God and Wind God The powerful and dynamic statues of the thunder God and the Wind God are placed at either side of the temple hall on raised pedestals of cloud shape. The images of these gods derived from people's fear of and gratitude for nature in the old days. People worshipped them as deities who controlled rain and wind, and broght about good harvests. These statues are representative masterpiece sculptures of the Kamakura period ( 12th-14th centuries). Twenty-eight Guardian Deities of kannon The twenty-eight images placed in a straight line in front of the 1001 Kannon statues are guardian deities which protect the Buddhists who bellieve in Kannon. Many of these deities, whose mythic images are expressed in a vivid manner, have their origin in ancient India. Technically these statues are made in an assemblesd construction method. Arms and heads were carved separately, then joined together, coated with lacquer, and finished by coloring. The Temple Fair "Yanage-no-Okaji" and Archery The Yanage-no-Okaje temple fair held in January is one of the largest events Sanju-sangen-do. The fair is believed to be effective in preventing headaches. An archery competition is held in a traditional style all day long in the western garden. Many illustrated votive tablets in the temple record the history of thie archery competition. Every year 20-year-old lady aechers, who celebrate the Coming-of-age Day in beautiful traditional dresses, participate in the competition. Sanju-sangen-do The official name of Sanju-sangen-do is Rengeoin temple, and the structure is registered as a National Treasure by the Japanese government. It was established by the powerful warrior-politician Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1164. The original temple building was lost in a fire, but the building was reconstructed in 1266. That structure has remained unchanged for 700 years since then with four great renovations during that period. The long temple hall, which is about 120 meters long, is made in the Wayo (Japanese) style architecture. As there are thirty-three spaces between the columns). Other noteworthy objects in this temple are the roofed earthen fence and the South Gate, which are registered as Important Cultural Properties. They are noted in connection with Regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi and reflect the aesthetics of the 16th century. |
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