Golden Hall, Murouji
室生寺金堂
This mid-ninth century hall, one of Muroji's oldest, features a unique design and rare Buddhist figures.
What it is
- Kondo Hall, a National Treasure.
- Dates to the mid-ninth century.
- One of the oldest structures at Muroji.
What to see
- High-floored structure with shingle roof of persimmon bark.
- Open, gravel prayer terrace.
- Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the center.
- Statues of Monju and Eleven-Headed Kannon.
- Statues of Yakushi Nyorai and Jizo.
- Twelve Heavenly Generals statues from Kamakura period.
Getting there
- Situated at the top of Yoroi-zaka (Armor Slope).
In detail
Kondo Hall
National Treasure
Situated at the top of Yoroi-zaka (Armor Slope, so named for its resemblance to samurai armor), the Kondo Hall dates to the mid-ninth century, making it one of the oldest structures at Muroji. Its design is somewhat unusual in that it is a high-floored structure in front of an open, gravel prayer terrace. It is topped with a shingle roof of persimmon bark.
The hall’s Shumi-dan platform boasts a rare arrangement of Buddhist figures: five large, halo-backed statues with 12 smaller figures in front. In the center of the back row is the Shakyamuni Buddha. To the left are statues of Monju, the bodhisattva representing transcendent wisdom, and the Eleven-Headed Kannon, also known as the bodhisattva of mercy. To the right are Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) and Jizo, the bodhisattva savior of sentient beings and protector of children and travelers. In the front row stand the Twelve Heavenly Generals, which date to the Kamakura period (1185–1333). These exquisitely crafted, lifelike warriors guard the 12 traditional directions. Each bears a Chinese zodiac animal upon its head. These statues are housed in the Treasure Hall, along with the statue of Eleven-Headed Kannon from March 2020.
Text: 観光庁 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース. Reproduced unchanged. The notes above were written from that text by Japan Gems.
Where it is
奈良県宇陀市室生区室生 Open in Google Maps
この施設の関係者の方へ
このページは公開情報をもとに Japan Gems が作成し、訪日外国人向けに英語で掲載しています。 写真や情報の追加・修正を承っています。お店の写真に差し替えることもできます。
このページの情報を更新する
