Shitennō-ji


Shitennō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ōsaka, Japan. It is sometimes regarded as the first Buddhist and oldest officially administered temple in Japan, although the temple buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries. It is the head temple of the Wa Sect of Buddhism.

History

invited three Korean Baekje carpenters, and they constructed this temple in 593. Prince Shōtoku was known for his profound Buddhist faith when Buddhism was not widespread in Japan.
Most of the present structures are from when the temple was last completely rebuilt in 1963. One of the members involved in the initial construction of the temple in the 6th century later established a firm Kongō Gumi, specialized in temple and shrine buildings over centuries.
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Description

The Shitennō are believed to be four heavenly kings. The temple Prince Shōtoku built to honor them had four institutions, each to help the Japanese attain a higher level of civilization. This Shika-in was centered on the seven-building shichidō garan, and included a Kyōden-in, a Hiden-in, a Ryōbyō-in, and a Seiyaku-in to provide essential care to the people of Japan.
The garan consists of a five-story pagoda, a main Golden Pavilion housing an image of the Bodhisattva Kannon, and a Kōdō under a covered corridor holding three gates. Surrounding this central complex are the Great South Gate, and a Great East Gate. To the west is the Great West Gate, also known as Gokuraku-mon. Further to the west is a stone torii, which is widely accepted as the Eastern Gate to the gokuraku-jōdo.
Shitennō-ji sells some souvenirs of their products on the 21st of each month.

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