Kondo

Gazing upon the grandeur of Toji Temple’s Kondo Hall, one can almost hear the whispers of history echoing through its ancient timbers. Toji Temple, or “East Temple”, stands as a testament to time, a guardian of Kyoto since the Heian Period. Kondo Hall, the largest building within Toji Temple, dominates the temple grounds with its imposing presence. The original Kondo, tragically destroyed by fire in 1486, was reborn in the early Edo Period. This reconstruction, while not a replica of the original, showcases the architectural styles of its time. Inside, the Kondo houses a revered wooden statue of Yakushi Buddha, the Medicine Buddha, flanked by his attendants, Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas. This trio of figures offers solace and healing to those who seek it. Toji Temple itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was founded in the late 700s. It served, along with its now-lost sister temple Saiji (“West Temple”), as a protector of the city’s southern entrance. Approximately thirty years after its founding, Kobo Daishi, a prominent figure in Japanese Buddhism, became head priest of Toji. Under his guidance, Toji flourished as a center of the Shingon sect. He also oversaw the construction of many of the temple’s wooden buildings, though sadly, the original Kondo was not among those that survived to the present day. Today, visitors to the Kondo Hall can marvel at its resilience. They can reflect on the generations who have sought peace within its walls. The current Kondo Hall, despite being a later reconstruction, connects us to the enduring spirit of Toji Temple and its rich history.