“Shitennoji! Shitennoji!” A vendor’s cry echoes. This cry transports us back to 593. Prince Shotoku founded Shitennoji Temple. It was Japan’s first Buddhist temple.
Prince Shotoku wanted to popularize Buddhism. He launched a national project. Shitennoji was part of it. Three Korean carpenters came from Baekje. They brought their knowledge. They led the temple’s construction.
Shitennoji means Temple of the Four Heavenly Kings. These kings represent a higher civilization. Prince Shotoku created four institutions to help people. These institutions were inside the temple walls. There was a Kyoden-in. It focused on religion and education. A Hiden-in provided welfare. A Ryobyo-in served as a hospital. The Seiyaku-in was a pharmacy. These institutions offered essential care.
Over the centuries Shitennoji faced many challenges. Disasters and wars damaged it. But it always survived. The buildings burned down many times. Each time they were carefully rebuilt. The reconstructions mirrored the original design. The last reconstruction was in 1963.
One of the initial builders founded Kongo Gumi. It specialized in temple construction. Kongo Gumi was the world’s oldest company. The Takamatsu Construction Group acquired it in 2004.
Shitennoji has a five-story pagoda. A main Golden Pavilion houses Kannon. Kannon is the Bodhisattva. There is also a Kodo or Lecture Hall. Covered corridors connect three gates. These are the Deva Gate. It is also known as Niomon. The Western Gate and the Eastern Gate are nearby. The Great South Gate stands apart. So does the Great East Gate. The Great West Gate is also called Gokuraku-mon.
West of the temple is a stone torii. It is believed to be the Eastern Gate to Sukhavati. Sukhavati is the Pure Land of the West. In the Kameido hall are turtle-shaped stoneworks. They date to the 7th century. They were used for state rituals with water. Today they commemorate ancestors. People float wood sheets with names on the water.
Every month on the 21st Shitennoji comes alive. Souvenirs are sold. You can reach Shitennoji easily. It is a short walk from the subway. You can also walk from Tennoji Station. Shitennoji stands as a testament. It shows faith and resilience. It represents Japanese history and culture.