Rinnoji Temple is not a name of the building, but it is the generic
name of Buddhist temples in Nikko. Central building of Rinnoji
Temple is the Sanbutsu-doh Hall. Sanbutsu can be translated as
three Buddha. In fact, three images of Buddha are enshrined inside.
According to a historical record of temple, Ennin Saint Jikaku
built the Sanbutsu-doh Hall by referring to Konponchu-doh Hall
of Mt. Hiei. He enshrined Bato Kaonnon, Amida Nyorai and Senju
Kannon in Sanbutsu-doh Hall. These images are representatives
of Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyohou and Mt. Tarou. Saint Jikaku's contribution
was based on mountainous worship.
These three principal
images were remade in early Edo period. Excellent skills will
be seen here and there. These images are 8m high, and it is the
foremost seated wooden image in Japan. All of these three are
coated with gold leaf. Also, an image has been formed by wooden
bits, which were gathered up.
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Sanbutsu-doh Hall had been relocated repeatedly
since the first establishment. It was built near Takinoo Shrine
on the riverside of Inari. However, in 1240-42, Sanetomo Minamotono
moved it to another place, where Toshogu Shrine is located today.
After that, in 1617, the Sanbutsu-doh Hall was moved again to another
place, where Futarasan Shrine is located today. Finally, it was
moved to today's place when Meiji government ordered to separate
Buddhist temple from Shinto Shrine. Sanbutsu-doh Hall was dissolved
when it moved, but was not assembled soon because Rinnoji Temple
had faced a financial hardship at that time. Emperor of Meiji felt
sorry for that, and helped to build Sanbutsu-doh Hall again.
Sanbutsu-doh Hall was
reformed in the period from 1954 to 1961. This is rare construction
style, which comes from esoteric Tendai sect, but it became the
biggest building in Nikko. Roof is covered with copper tile, hall
is vermilion lacquered, and pillar is made of zelkova tree and lacquered.
Also, there are three
images of saint such as Saint Denkyo, Saint Jie and Saint Jigen.
In addition, fire is burned every morning for rite.
You will see a cherry
tree in front of the hall. It is called kongo-zakura, and is designated
as a natural monument.
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